Italy

The last time Italy was in turmoil ahead of a major soccer tournament….it went out and won the 2006 World Cup! Manager Roberto Donadoni no doubt would be reminding his troops of just that as the Azzurri prepare to take on Europe without influential and inspirational captain Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro, the star of the show in Germany two years ago -- when Serie A was simultaneously enveloped in a corruption scandal -- suffered an ankle injury after colliding with Juventus tough guy Giorgio Chiellini in training, and subsequently has been ruled out of the Euro Cup.

Cannavaro, with more than 100 national appearances, was vastly experienced, and was also in great form, playing a significant part in helping Real Madrid to Spanish league title last month. However, Italy has enough depth in their defense department, their traditional stronghold.

Their attack would largely centre on the mercurial striker Luca Toni, who led the Bundesliga scoring charts this season besides netting five goals in six Euro 2008 qualifiers. With Alessandro Del Piero and the unpredictable Antonio Cassano to back him up, Italy would hope to get past the “Group of Death” like a true champion.

Italy have won the UEFA European Championship just once in their illustrious history, in 1968, when they defeating Yugoslavia 2-0.