Euro 2012 Team Profile: Italy
One consistent part of both teams is the enablers. As discussed in my last article, these are the players who should play but cost no more than 4 points, allowing you to spend bigger elsewhere. The one's I've chosen are:
GK - Karnezis - Greece
DF - M Olsson - Sweden
DF - Bjelland - Denmark
MF - Andrews - Ireland
There are others out there such as Polanski for Poland, M Olsson for Sweden and Zimling of Denmark but the ones I've chosen appear to be the strongest candidates.
In my next article, we'll cover amongst other things - who to choose as your captain. You can also get further ideas on this sort of approach via my book on Amazon here
Six years ago, Fabio Cannavaro lifted the World cup for Italy. Since then, a lot has changed in the team. Many top players retired, making way for young blood while Cesare Prandelli replaced Marcello Lippi as the head coach. Moreover, the team hasn't won any major trophy since 2006. A quarterfinal exit in Euro 2008 was followed by a humiliating first round exit in World cup 2010. The newer generation of Italian players has an opportunity to prove themselves on the grand stage. Will they rise to the occasion and restore their country's pride? Or will they waste this opportunity? We have to wait and watch.
Route to qualification
Italy are one of the few teams that have gone unbeaten in the qualifiers. They kick-started their long and arduous journey with a 2-1 victory against Estonia on 3rd September, 2010. Four days later, the Azzurri trashed Faroe Islands 5-0 at home. A goal-less draw against Northern Ireland saw them drop their first points of the campaign. Their next game against Serbia, played at Genoa, was abandoned due to violent behavior on the part of Serbian fans and the Italians were awarded a 3-0 win. After a six-month gap, The Italian Army continued its forward march conquering Estonia and Faroe Islands once again and dispatching Slovenia twice. After four consecutive games without conceding goals, the measly Italian defence conceded a solitary goal against Serbia in October 2011 and the game ended in a draw. Having ensured qualification, Italy beat Northern Ireland in their last game in what was essentially a dead rubber. Italy qualified as group winners, having won six and drawn two.
History at the Euros
Italy have qualified for the competition on eight different occasions. However, their only moment of European glory came way back in 1968 when they beat Yugoslavia to win the European Championship. They finished as runners-up the 2000 edition, losing 1-2 to France in the final.