Can Italy return to Prominence?

Italy will be looking to re-announce themselves as a major footballing power at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

After winning the World Cup in Germany in 2006, the Italians have failed to make an impact on world football since, they bowed out of the 2010 World Cup at the group stage after some dismal displays and will see this summer's tournament as a chance to try and return to top of the game, like they were in 2006.

Boss Cesare Prandelli has got rid of the bulk of the winning World Cup squad and has put his faith in younger players such as Riccardio Montolivo and Leonardo Bonucci, leaving punters who bet on sport unsure as to how they will fare.

Their live scores in qualifying were very impressive - eight wins and two draws from their 10 qualifying games. The Azzuri relied on typical Italian defensive solidity during the campaign, as they only conceded twice in reaching the Finals.

Questions have been asked over their ability to find the back of the net, with experienced international goal-getters Alberto Gilardino, Vicenzo Iaquinta and Fabio Quagliarella seemingly out out of favour.

Antonio Cassano, on his return to the Italian squad, did his best to take on the goal-scoring mantle, with six goals during qualifying, but he is currently out of action after having heart surgery.

With Cassano likely to be missing Prandelli will probably look to Mario Balotelli to provide the fire-power for his side, who has the potential to either be one of the stars of the tournament or could  likely self- implode in a moment of madness.

The Italians will be confident of advancing from their group, despite being placed with reigning world and European champions Spain, who they beat in a recent friendly, as they look to try and return to the top of the international game.

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