We've spent a lot of time looking at the players Preandelli has brought to the championships, speculating on his strategy and formations...
Now let's spend a few moments analysing our opposition and evaluate our chances of making it through to the next round:
SPAIN
Well, Spain are wolrd champions, they have the greatest midfield in the game and they are aiming for a record three tournament haul.Spain have strength in depth and boast the most fearsome attacking unit in world football.
However, Italy may look to expose the potential emotional and physical fatique of the squad. Nine of these players were in the Europa League final a few weeks ago, the Barca contingent have been playing non-stop for half a decade and perhaps we are witnessing the end of a great cycle.
Spain are definitely hit hard in the injury department. Losing Puyol and Villa - the most influential players available in their respective positions - is a huge loss. Puyol is a leader, Villa an assassin.
Key Man: Balotelli. Super Mario must provide a serious and effective attacking threat to stretch Spain and make them think twice about playing high up the pitch.
Predicted result? I don't want to tempt fate but I think Italy have the beating of Spain. Still, I'm a total coward, so I'll go for 1-1.
CROATIA
Written off and underestimated, Croatia are genuine dark horses to toruble the latter stages of this tournament. Corluka, Pranjic, Modric, Kranjcar, Jelavic, Olic - this is a squad with big talent and experience.
Croatia play smart football and know how to win ugly - as shown in their play-off win against Turkey to get to the championships.
Italy must play a coherent and attacking game. I expect the azzurri's superior defence and midfield to win the important battles. But we cannot relax for a moment in this very tough group.
Key Man: De Rossi. His job will be to smash up Croatia's passing game and distribute the ball simply to Pirlo or the forward line. It;s essential De Rossi dominates in this game.
Predicted result? 2-1 Italy.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Il Trap's green wall. Ireland have a long list of mediocre players performing miracles. Never underestimate the power of a unified group. Trap has his team playing neat, defensive football, with a real edge on the counter. McGeady and McClean are two gifted, direct talents and Long knows where the goal is. Add into the mix a solid defence and the wild-card that is Robbie Keane, and Ireland make formidable opposition.
Trap would like nothing better than to knock the Italians out - and who could blame him? From the moment the group was announced, he will have been scheming away, like a 14th century monk, in a dimly lit attic, plotting our downfall.
Italy must show the grinta and spirit necessary to grind out a win. This is tournament football. It is essential Italy get three points here as they may well be coming off of at leats one loss. This is the key game in the group for them.
Key Man: Pirlo. In the previous friendly, Trap swamped Pirlo everytime he had the ball. When Pirlo breaks down, so does Italy. Andrea must break free and play early balls into the attack or lay the ball off to our driving midfielders. Never has it been more crucial we enjoy good possession.
Predicted result: 3-2 Italy.
Ultimately I expect Italy to finish second in the group - which could set up a game against old rivals France - a tantalising prospect.
I'm sure I have made oversights and errors here. Or at least made a few outrageous calls.
Put me straight in the comments section!
