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.
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Rank | Team | W/D/L | Pts |
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Cities & Stadiums
The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments
Year | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | Spain | Germany | Russia / Turkey |
2004 | Greece | Portugal | Netherlands / Czech Republic |
2000 | France | Italy | Netherlands / Portugal |
1996 | Germany | Czech Republic | France / England |
1992 | Denmark | Germany | Netherlands / Sweden |
1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | Italy / West Germany |
1984 | France | Spain | Denmark / Portugal |
1980 | West Germany | Belgium | Czechoslovakia |
1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | Netherlands |
1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | Belgium |
1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | England |
1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | Hungary |
1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Czechoslovakia |