The glorious Squadra Azzurra was close to the title in 2012, but lost the final from Spain. Antonio Conte's team qualified for UEFA Euro 20166 without a single loss. Experienced goalkeeper and defensive line were always the strongest positions in the team, but the strikers are problematic. No one of the selected forwards looks good enough to lead Italy's attack. Maybe Italy will have tough matches in Group D, but Conte's team must prove that they deserve to be European champions again.

Italy at Euros

Squad:

The manager: Antonio Conte

The future manager of Chelsea was the architect of Juventus' champion team in Italy. The ex-midfielder won Seria A three times a row and became the coach of the years also three times. In 2013 Globe Soccer selected Conte for world coach of the year. He is the manager of Italy since 2014 and for 19 matches in charge had three loses. His favorite formation is 3-5-2, which he used in Juventus several years ago.

The star: Gianluigi Buffon

The 38-years old goalkeeper is still in top form. He set up a new records for most minutes without conceded goal in Serie A - 903. A world champion, with over 150 matches for the Squadra, the Juventus' captain is a true legend and one of the best goalkeepers Italy ever had. This Euro will be fourth in Buffon's career - the keeper missed the tournament in 2000 due to injury, but played in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Italy's matches in Group E

13 June 2016 - Belgium - Italy, 18:00, Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon

17 June 2016 - Italy - Sweden, 15:00, Stadium Municipal, Toulouse

22 June - Italy - Ireland, 21:00, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille