Coach Cesare Prandelli
Has revolutionised a side at its lowest ebb after the debacle of South Africa with a blend of youth and experience, and an insistence on player discipline on club and national duty.
Star man Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) The elegant playmaker has the gift of picking out a team-mate from anywhere on the pitch, at any speed and typically with devastating results. Also a brilliant dead-ball expert.
One to watch Mario Balotelli (AC Milan) As capable of lighting up any game as he is likely to have a meltdown and damage the Azzurri from within, but nevertheless a rare talent.
How they qualified
Europe group winners
World Cup record
1934 WINNERS 1938 WINNERS 1950 1st round 1954 1st round 1962 1st round 1966 1st round 1970 Runners-up 1974 1st round 1978 4th place 1982 WINNERS 1986 Round of 16 1990 3rd place 1994 Runners-up 1998 Quarter-finals 2002 Round of 16 2006 WINNERS 2010 1st round
FIFA ranking 9 Stan James odds 25-1