Profile Italy Squad

Italy Coach

Italy have made a real effort to change style under Cesare Prandelli. Even though they booked their place at the Euros with the best defence in qualifying they're no longer a negative, counter-attacking side honouring the tradition of catenaccio.

Instead the four-time World Cup winners look to impose themselves on the opposition with an attractive possession-oriented game based around a midfield of piedi buoni or good feet. Their aim is not just to win, but to convince too.

Ignored by Marcello Lippi, temperamental forward Antonio Cassano has flourished under current Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli.

Cassano's dreams of playing in a third European Championship looked in doubt after he suffered a transient ischaemic attack - something often described as a "mini-stroke" - on the flight back from Milan's game away to Roma in October. He was barely able to speak or move, and admits he feared for his life.

Italy Squad

A few days he later he underwent surgery to close a small opening in his heart. He was able return to light training in January, and made his first-team comeback in April.

You could argue the Italians have under performed in continental competition. They have reached the semi-finals only twice (including a run to final in 2000) since winning the tournament on home soil in 1968.