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Italy arrive in Poland ahead of Euro 2012
Posted Wednesday, June 06, 2012 by SNTV

Intro:

Italy touched down in Krakow on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2012.

Script:

Grey skies and rain in Krakow for Italy's arrival ahead of Euro 2012 on Tuesday - and Cesare Prandelli's side are 'under a cloud' heading into the tournament.

Off the pitch, the "Azzuri" have been hit by allegations of match fixing, which has seen a number of Serie A players caught up in the investigation.

On the pitch, Italy have been in poor form of late - losing their last warm up game 3-0 to Russia, and also suffering defeats in their two previous friendlies at home.

But Italy always have the ability to defy expectations at a major tournament - Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has the ability to impress, providing Prandelli manages to keep his forward focussed.

The team will pay tribute to Holocaust victims by visiting Auschwitz on Wednesday, amidst their preparations for the tournament.

Italy have been drawn in Group C, alongside Croatia, Ireland and Spain - and will open up against the defending champions on the 10th June.

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia