How they got there: World Cup champions Italy won their group, with France being the runner-up.
Coach - Roberto Donadoni: The former Livorno coach was a surprise choice to succeed World Cup-winning boss Marcello Lippi but, after overcoming the retirements of Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta, he has the team looking organised and motivated.
Star player - Andrea Pirlo: The hub of the team who has a hand in virtually every offensive move the Azzurri make. Rarely loses possession and is also Italy's major threat at set-pieces.
Tactics: Donadoni usually operates a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 system, depending on how you view it, with Luca Toni as an out-and-out striker.
Strengths: Defensively solid as ever and with a good mixture of youth and experience, and quality throughout.
Weaknesses: You could question their motivation after winning the World Cup, and whether Donadoni is experienced enough at the highest level.
Verdict: Should get out of a tough group but Portugal could edge them out in the quarter-finals.
If they were a band they would be: Queen
Helpful translation: "È tutto una cospirazione! Tutti li vogliono fuori!" means "It's all a conspiracy! They all want us out."
