New coach breathes new light into Italy

After a disastrous World Cup two years ago, Italy have been determined to bounce back under coach Cesare Prandelli.

They had very few problems in qualifying as they won eight of their 10 matches, remained undefeated and only conceded two goals, albeit in a straightforward group.

There are still questions surrounding the Azzurri however and it's difficult to predict which side will show up this summer, the one who beat Spain in a friendly last August or the one which lost consecutive matches against the USA and Uruguay over the winter.

Star Man - Gianluigi Buffon

With 113 caps to his name at the time of writing Gianluigi Buffon has now starred between the sticks for over 10 years, bypassing Dino Zoff as Italy’s most capped goalkeeper.

Many have blamed his early injury in the 2010 World Cup as one of the reasons Italy failed to perform two years ago.

There was little surprise when he was awarded the captain's armband on his return to the side in preparation for Euro 2012, and this will be his first tournament as skipper.

One to Watch - Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli can be a figure of ridicule, a hero, or more likely both for Cesare Prandelli's side this summer.

Prandelli has stood by the controversial Manchester City striker and the heart problems suffered by Antonio Cassano, Italy's leading scorer in qualifying, could mean Balotelli is trusted to lead the line.

Super Mario scored a fantastic goal in their friendly victory in Poland last November and will be determined to take this opportunity to prove his doubters wrong on the big stage.

Goals scored in qualifying: 20 in 10 games

Goals conceded in qualifying: Two

Top scorer: Six – Cassano

Most assists: Three – Montolivio

Most attempts on target: 13 – Cassano