Intro:

Italy midfielder Thiago Motta believes the Azzurri can prove they are a "great team" during the upcoming Euro 2012, which will see them play their Group C opener in Gdansk on Sunday against title-holder Spain.

Script:

Italy are used to controversy.

The last time that a match-fixing investigation rocked their nation, the Italians went on to win the 2006 World Cup.

Thiago Motta hadn't even decided to play for Italy then.

But now, the Brazilian born midfielder has opted to represent the Azzurri due to his dual-nationality .

Motta knows that many Italians are expecting the national team to be distracted by events back home but he is confident that Italy can enjoy a successful European Championship.

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Thiago Motta, Italy midfielder

"Italy is a great team, even if we haven't proved that yet, and to be a great team the most important thing is helping each other, being generous. I think these are the things you need to be great, and I think we are a true group."

Head coach Cesare Pandelli recently claimed that he would have no qualms about sending his team back to Italy to testify in the match-fixing scandal.

Italy could do without the distraction as they must be fully focused to beat reigning European and World champions Spain in their opening match on Sunday.

But, then again, Italy have a history of turning a scandal into a success.