How Italy can win Euro 2012

It is too simple to draw the conclusion that the latest scandal to rock Italian football will be a case of 2006 repeating itself. The bottom line is that the Italian national team is always a team to be feared during major competitions, they have the experienced heads who rise to the occasion whilst playing to the weaknesses of the opposition.

Croatia, Spain and the Republic of Ireland carries it’s own unique challenges. Will they be able to withstand the Spanish inquisition for long spells? Can they break down a stoic Irish defence? And can they hold their nerve against a tough Croatian team who can produce some surprising performances.

Prandelli will take heart from Juve’s terrific season. Built around the creativity of Pirlo as well as a solid backline of Buffon, Chiellini and Bonucci, the foundations are in place to frustrate the opposition and hit effectively on the counter. With Abate and Maggio in the squad, there will be width provided to link up with the midfield.

This will be badly needed to break down Ireland and Croatia, but Prandelli will surely instruct both fullbacks to sit deep to help the bus that will be parked against the Spanish. The midfield has structured discipline combined with aspects of creativity to remove pressure on Pirlo such as teammate Marchisio and Nocerino. Thiago Motta will more than likely be deployed in the Spain game to protect the defence.

Yet its hard not to look at the striking options and wonder what on earth they will produce. Anyone of Balotelli, Cassano, Di Natale, Borini and Giovinco could either destroy the competition with scintillating football, or not show up at all.

The concern will be that the elder statesman Di Natale may be relied on heaviest to provide the goals and given his age and the amount of games played in a tough campaign with Udinese, it might be a bridge too far. Add to that the comments of retirement, the responsibility may fall to Super Mario, a sentence that would have any manager in a panic attack.

The Euros are a shorter, snappier tournament where the best team usually doesn’t win it. The Italians have as good as any chance to progress into the quarters and beyond. There is no pressure or expectation outside of the country, and even then its probably quite subjective opinions.

Keeping in mind no Italian club had any significant European run, there is cause to believe that they can do the unlikely and end up being last man standing come the end of Euro 2012.

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This post was written by Blake Hampton