Team profile: Italy

Mercurial Mario Balotelli is one of the deadliest strikers in Europe, and his stamina, athleticism and technical ability mark him as Italy’s danger man. The 23-year-old’s goal haul at some of Europe’s top clubs speaks for itself — 20 at Inter Milan, 20 at Manchester City, 26 for his current club, AC Milan, and 12 for the Azzurri. His record from the penalty spot is unrivaled among contemporary players. Also watch midfielder Andrea Pirlo (35), the "regista" whose vision and passing ability make him the maestro orchestrating the entire team, and earning him three "man of the match" awards during the 2006 World Cup, including the final, which Italy won. 

Defeating West Germany 3–1 in the 1982 World Cup final in Spain. This was the first cup the Azzurri claimed in 44 years and the third time they had won it. The first half of the game was 0–0 but everything changed when legendary goal poacher Paolo Rossi scored, followed in quick succession by goals from Maro Tardelli and Alessandro Altobelli.

The Azzurri were unlucky to be drawn in a tough bracket for Brazil, and might not make it past the first round. Although coach Cesare Prandelli has tried to break the mold of Italy’s traditional defensive, counterattacking style, it remains to be seen whether the team will maintain its more expansive attacking game after the setback of losing captain and attacking playmaker Riccardo Montolivo to a nasty injury in a warmup game.

Even when Italy is unimpressive during qualification, it is inevitably a force to contend with. This year, given the mix of experienced older players like captain Gigi Buffon (36) and young, energetic talent like Balotelli, the Italians should beat England and then have the momentum for an extended run. 

Both Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga have been plagued by racism — in the stands and on the pitch. Fans in the bleachers taunt and bait black players and throw bananas at them. Racist chants and fascist salutes are common among the hardcore fans known as “ultras.” In a recent interview with GQ Italia, Balotelli (whose estranged biological parents are from Ghana and who is regularly taunted with the chant “There are no black Italians!”) said: “I make mistakes and I always pay for them, but if I were white you’d all simply say go to hell. The problem isn’t the things I do, but that I should be ‘permitted’ to do them. Only the stupid and the ignorant get mad at me.” He added, “I’m different, and that bothers people.”