Italy (11/2 – Euro 2012 Outright) may not have been among many people’s predictions to make even the semi-finals in Poland and Ukraine but now, with midfield genius Andrea Pirlo in such scintillating form, can the Azzurri dare to dream of winning the tournament?
Certainly, before the action got underway this month, very few people were suggesting Cesare Prandelli’s side could make it to the last four but, following their quarter-final win over England on penalties on Sunday, they are in with a chance of glory and prepare to take on Germany on Thursday as lively underdogs.
Italy began the competition with a deserved 1-1 draw against Spain and could yet meet them again in Sunday’s final if they overcome an impressive German outfit first. They followed the first game up with another 1-1 draw – this time against Croatia – before seeing off Ireland 2-0 in their final group game.
It is fair to say they were effective and solid in those games rather than being sparkling but, at times against England, Italy had the look of potential tournament winners with man-of-the-match Pirlo dominating the game and stealing the show.
The veteran star has, like the team in general, grown into the tournament and his display in Kiev was almost perfect. Pirlo picked off passes left, right and centre with the craft and subtlety of a master artist and England’s tiring pair of Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker simply couldn’t get near him as the game progressed.
If he can find a similarly-domineering performance against Germany then, you never know, Italy might just be able to pull off a shock and get to the final (Italy 7/2, Germany 5/6, draw 9/4 – 90 minute prices).
Taking on, and getting the better of, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, is a tough task, however, as they are all experienced, top international players but Pirlo, aided by the busy Riccardo Montolivo, should not be underestimated.
The Germans are unlikely to do that now after being impressed by the manner of the win over England and another tight semi-final is in prospect.
Italy say they fear no-one left in the tournament and, if they can get past Germany, do not be surprised to see them going on to triumph next Sunday.
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Italy will wait a week before deciding whether to call up an emergency replacement for midfielder Andrea Pirlo.