The current World Champions don’t need any special introduction. After Brazil, Italy is the most successful national team on the planet with four titles. They last conquered Germany in 2006 and surprised the media and the football world. After a disappointing showing at Euro 2008 and the Confederations Cup a year later, Italian fans don’t believe in that the new ‘Lippi Boys’ can triumph like four years ago however this scepticism can become a lethal weapon for Italy.

Strengths
Marcello Lippi loves to speak about the group, the collective, the team. He doesn’t like individualism, that’s why cohesion is the most important Azzurri virtue. Like in 2006, if you remember. But Italy also have a solid defence led by Juventus trio Buffon, Cannavaro and Chiellini.

Star Men
Gigi Buffon (Juventus)
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Andrea Pirlo (Milan)