Italy National Football Team

ITALY

Italy's Team Logo

Never lose in 10 Euro 2012 qualification games with 8 wins and 2 draws has made Italy to Poland and Ukraine. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup behind Brazil, having won four titles. But in European Cup, Italy featured in just two of the all European Championships ever held, one became champion in 1968 and runners-up in 2000. Euro 2012 is Italy's 8th appearances. Italy National Football Team has a nickname Azzuri ("The Blues") according to their traditional colour of the national team.

Italy's Team Manager

Italy National Football Team manager is Cesare Prandelli who's born in Orzinuovi, Italy at August 19, 1957 (age 54). Prandelli replaces Marcello Lippi in 30 May 2010 after suffered a humiliating first-round exit in the World Cup in 2010. Prandelli made official debut coaching Italy in a friendly match against Ivory Coast, finishing in a 0–1 defeat. Prandelli started his career as a midfielder and ever won 3 Serie A Leagues, a Coppa Italia, a UEFA Champions League, and a UEFA Cup Winners' with Juventus. In 1990 he turned to coaching until 2010 manage Italian national team.

Italy's Team Captain

Gianluigi Buffon born in Carrara, Italy at January 28, 1978 (age 34). Buffon get his captain's armband when Euro 2008 after Fabio Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Plays as goalkeeper, Buffon is part of FIFA World Cup in 2010. In club career, Buffon ever won an UEFA Cup, a Coppa Italia, and a Supercoppa Italiana with Parma. With Juventus, Buffon ever won Serie A 4 times, and Supercoppa Italiana 2 times. Buffon also have won a lot of individual trophies, one of most prestigious is Yashin Award (goalkeeper award) in 2006.

Italy's Team Star

Andrea Pirlo born 19 May 1979 (age 32) in Flero, Lombardy, Italy. He is Italy's National Football Team star player and plays as a midfielder. Andrea Pirlo turn to his best performance at Juventus after leave AC Milan on a free transfer. With his best performance at Euro 2012 qualification, Pirlo have his name at Italy's teamsheet. With AC Milan, Pirlo ever won two Serie A, a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana, two UEFA Champions League cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup. In national team, Pirlo made 81 appearances and 9 goals since started in 2002.

Italy's Team Rising Star

Mario Barwuah Balotelli born in Palermo, Italy, at August 12, 1990 (age 21). Although has very special footballing talent, Balotelli is the most controversial like perhaps no other player in the game today. Balotelli called by Prandelli after Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano suffered in serious injury. If Balotelli can maintain his attitude, his pace, a forceful shot and technical ability, Euro 2012 would be a good event to prove his incredibly ability.

Source : Wikipedia, UEFA, Goal.com

Italy's Team

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