Italy: Road to Euro 2012

The Italians do not evoke the same confidence as they once did, and yet, continue to be a powerhouse coming into Euro 2012. Under Cesare Prandelli, the team has managed to put memories of the 2010 World Cup behind and have regaining lost glory on their radar.

The campaign in Poland will start in a dramatic manner as the Azzurris face Spain. In Group C, the others who will have to be vanquished are Ireland and Croatia.

It may not be the simplest of prospects as the road to Poland itself was marred by close matches although Italy did manage to seal a spot. Estonia scored first in the opening encounter in the qualifying stage and it was Antonio Cassano who staged a rescue-act with his goal and assist.

Though it was annihilation in the next match with Faroe Islands being crushed 5-0, it was the clash against a forceful Northern Ireland that actually tested Italy. The final scoreline did not show goals for any side but it was a match that put Prandelli's men in trouble and put all of them under pressure to up their game.

The clash against Serbia was marred by fan-violence and was abandoned only for Italy to be awarded a 3-0 win by UEFA later. The next tie, against Slovenia, was important and the Italians did not disappoint supporters with Thiego Motta striking the solitary success. This was followed by easy wins against Estonia and Faroe Islands before Slovenia returned.

It was a match that had to be won to be assured of a berth in the main event. Inter's Giampaolo Pazzini delivered a win this time and his strike ended what was again a close contest, in Italy's favour. The final regulation match against Serbia ended in a 1-1 draw.

Come June though and it may be a different story if care is not taken. Croatians are known to play out of their skin and can never be played without 90 minutes of utter concentration and complete skill. Northern Ireland are threatening too since they will play in a big tournament after a long gap. Then of course, Spain stand the biggest challenge.

While Giuseppe Rossi's injury has come as a huge blow for the side, the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Antonio Di Natale will help their team in retaining that extra edge needed to topple the stronger and brush the weaker teams aside.