Reigning world champions Italy are the next team to be profiled ahead of Euro 2008.

Current FIFA ranking

3 - Between Brazil and Spain

Route to finals

Italy started their Euro 2008 qualification campaign poorly - the draw with Lithuania and defeat to France in their opening two matches were widely blamed on the somewhat inevitable 'World Cup hangover' - but since those slip-ups, the Azzurri went on to win all but one game - a draw against France - on their way to topping their group and ending Scotland and Ukraine's qualification hopes in the process.

International pedigree

Italy are the highest placed European nation in FIFA's world rankings and head into the tournament boasting the enviable title of world champions. Their international pedigree is undisputed, having won the World Cup an impressive four times - in 1934, 1938, 1982 and of course 2006 - and this tournament once, back in 1968. This will be their 12th appearance at a European Championship.

Coach

The former Italy international midfielder Roberto Donadoni took over from Marcello Lippi in the immediate aftermath of their 2006 World Cup triumph, with high expectations to live up to. But so far, despite some understandable early teething problems, he has not disappointed and for such an inexperienced coach, he is performing remarkably well. Prior to the Azzurri job, Donadoni had managed just one top flight club - Livorno, during a second spell with the Tuscan club - as well as lower division outfit Lecco and then-Serie B side Genoa.

Familiar faces

The Italy squad contains some of the true superstars of the modern game. From Gigi Buffon in goal, to Alessandro Del Piero and Luca Toni up front, by way of Marco Materazzi, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, Italy boast one of the most impressive squads at the tournament. Just Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti have hung up their international boots since 2006, although they will also be missing Fabio Cannavaro, who tore an ankle ligament in the build-up to the tournament.

Potential stars

Young Roma star Alberto Aquilani has caught the eye this season and could thrive on this stage if given the chance. Certainly Arsene Wenger will be watching the 23-year-old intently as he considers making a bid for the talented midfielder. Equally, Fiorentina midfielder Ricardo Montolivo heads into the tournament with a burgeoning reputation as a fine young player, although with so many quality players in Italy's squad, he will be lucky to feature.

Chances

Very good. France followed up a World Cup victory with European Championship glory in 1998 and 2000 and there is no reason to suggest why Italy cannot repeat that feat. Much will depend on how they start their campaign though and, considering the strength of Group C - the so called 'group of death' - the Azzurri will have to be at their best from the off.

Possible starting XI

Gigi Buffon (Juventus); Christian Panucci (Roma), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Internazionale), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona); Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus); Luca Toni (Bayern Munich, pictured), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese)

Back-ups

Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (Livorno), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla) Defenders: Alessandro Gamberini (Fiorentina), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Lyon) Midfielders : Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Ricardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Simone Perrotta (Roma) Forwards: Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria, on loan from Real Madrid), Marco Borriello (Genoa), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese)

Group C fixtures

09/06/2008 - Netherlands

13/06/2008 - Romania

17/06/2008 - France

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