Despite winning the World Cup on four occasions, Italy have only won the European Championships once and that was back in 1968.

More recently, the Azzurri have failed to get beyond the quarter-finals in the last two tournaments.

Nevertheless, this is still the Italians and many regard them as a major threat this summer, having won eight of their ten qualifying matches.

Group: C

Cesare Prandelli: The 54-year-old will be coaching at his first major competition next month. However, he has previous experience in Europe with Fiorentina and Roma.

Players to watch:

Gianluigi Buffon: The veteran goalkeeper possesses a large amount of international tournament experience which could prove crucial to the younger teammates around him.

Claudio Marchisio: Having helped Juventus to the league title last season, Marchisio has been tipped to make a big impression in the Italian midfield this summer.

Mario Balotelli: The Manchester City striker could cost Italy their chance of winning the tournament. At the same time, the eccentric striker could also score the goals that fire Italy to the trophy.

Previous Best: Winners, 1968

Sports Mole's prediction for Euro 2012: Quarter-finals