The draw puts Italy in Group C with defending Euro and world champions Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

The result of the opening match, against Spain, will most likely decide Italy’s first or second place in the group.

The Italian squad attending Euro 2012 is probably the most popular Italian squad at major tournaments since 1998.

There is a reality that no tifosi can deny, Italy is no longer a big man like the period 1998-2006, the peak of which was the world championship in 2006. The decline of Serie A along with the wave

Looking at the number of players Prandelli used throughout the qualifying journey as well as the preliminary list preparing for Euro 2012, besides Buffon and Pirlo, it is difficult to pick out another world-class name.

The scarcity of talent is clearly shown by the fact that coach Prandelli had to put aside his dignity to call back Antonio Di Natale – the 34-year-old striker whom he categorically refused to call up in his first year in charge.

Between the above names and the rest of the list summoned by Prandelli, there is a really big gap, both in reputation and talent.

Spain, Germany, the Netherlands or France all have at least one world-class player in each position.

In addition to the limited force, following the trend of the times in Serie A – where teams are increasingly open and focus on scoring goals rather than keeping clean sheets, Italy can no longer maintain the famous catenaccio defensive style of play.

However, it is difficult to see those results as a measure of the technical and tactical maturity of the entire Italian team, because the opponents in the qualifying rounds are weaker, while the friendly matches do not speak volumes.

The victory over Spain is considered a milestone in the first two years of Cesare Prandelli’s reign.

The Euro finals, which are the highest quality playground in the world, are higher than the World Cup, because of the uniformity of the participating teams.

Star player – Andrea Pirlo

This 34-year-old midfielder is considered a bridge for the Italian team during the generational transition period.

Some information about the Italian team

– Attended the Euro finals seven times

– Highest achievement: Champion (1968, at home)

– Current position on FIFA rankings: 12

– Head coach: Cesare Prandelli (Italy)

– Captain: Gigi Buffon

Preliminary list of 32 players preparing for Euro 2012

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain), Viviano (Palermo)

Defenders: Abate (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Balzaretti (Palermo), Barzagli (Juventus), Bocchetti (Rubin Kazan), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit San Pietroburgo), Maggio (Napoli)

Midfielders:Cigarini (Atalanta), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Giaccherini (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Nocerino (Milan), Pirlo (

Strikers:Balotelli (Manchester City), Borini (Roma), Cassano (Milan), Destro (Siena), Di Natale (Udinese), Giovinco (Parma)

Group stage match schedule at Euro 2012

June 10: Spain – Italy

June 14: Italy – Croatia

June 18: Italy – Republic of Ireland