Italy Euro 2012 Odds
A reguvenated Italy eased through qualification to reach their fifth successive European Championships. They have put their woeful performances of World Cup 2010 firmly behind them and look like real contenders this summer.
Since winning the Euros on home soil in 1968, Italy have only made it to the semi-finals on three occasions, with the most recent en route to a final defeat at the hands of France in Euro 2000.
Head coach Cesare Prandelli took over from Marcello Lippi following Italy's fairly poor performance during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and successfully guided them to Euro 2012. They have been placed in Euro 2012 Group C with the defending champions Spain, Republic of Ireland and Croatia. Their opening match is against Spain on 10th June 2012.
They were very impressive in Qualification Group C winning eight of their ten matches. However, whilst Italy cannot be written off, recent history has proved that they are far from reliable and next summer will represent a major test for Prandelli and his players. The bookies believe they will do fairly well and are at odds of around 14/1 for Italy to win the 2010 European Championship.
Key Players
Italy are famed for having a tough defence, which was highlighted in qualification when they conceded just two goals. Italy will most likely have to rely on strikers Alberto Gilardino and Antonio Cassano for goals, with Daniele De Rossi a big threat from midfield. Their squad also contains Mario Balotelli who has been in fine form for Man City this season.
Italy European Championships Previous Form
Italy won the tournament in 1968 and finished runner-up in 2000.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| 27 | 11 | 11 | 5 |
Italy Squad
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon
Salvatore Sirigu
Defenders
Christian Maggio
Giorgio Chiellini
Domenico Criscito
Federico Balzaretti
Andrea Ranocchia
Andrea Barzagli
Leonardo Bonucci
Midfielders
Riccardo Montolivo
Daniele De Rossi
Claudio Marchisio
Thiago Motta
Stefano Mauri
Alessandro Diamanti
Alberto Aquilani
Andrea Pirlo
Antonio Nocerino
Angelo Palombo
Forwards
Simone Pepe
Mario Balotelli
Giampaolo Pazzini
Mario Balotelli
Alberto Gilardino
Fabio Quagliarella
Giuseppe Rossi
Antonio Cassano
Italy Group C Qualification Results
- Estonia 1-2 Italy
- Italy 5-0 Faroe Islands
- Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy
- Italy 3-0 Serbia (Awarded as match was abandoned due to violence)
- Slovenia 0-1 Italy
- Italy 3-0 Estonia
- Faroe Islands 0-1 Italy
- Italy 1-0 Slovenia
- Serbia 1-1 Italy
- Italy 3-0 Northern Ireland
