The Road to Kiev - Italy

Italy made it to the Euro 2012 finals after moving through Group C of tournament qualifying with 8 wins and 2 draws. The Italians had a mean defence throughout their group games, conceding just 2 goals in 10 games against the likes of Estonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Northern Ireland and the Faroe Islands.

Italy had a tough start to their campaign, going behind against Estonia before eventually getting the victory. They were awarded the 3 points at home to Serbia due to crowd trouble from the Serbian away fans, before struggling through both matches against Slovenia, as well as against the Faroe Islands.

Antonio Cassano was their top goal scorer throughout qualification, scoring 6 goals in 10 games, while Giampaolo Pazzini was the only other multiple goal scorer with 2.

Estonia 1-2 Italy (Cassano 60', Bonnuci 63')


Italy 5-0 Faroe Islands (Gilardino 11', De Rossi 22', Cassano 27', Quagliarella 81', Pirlo 90')


Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy


Italy 3-0 Serbia (match abandoned due to crowd trouble, Italy received points)


Slovenia 0-1 Italy (Motta 73')


Italy 3-0 Estonia (Rossi 21', Cassano 39', Pazzini 68')


Faroe Islands 0-1 Italy (Cassano 11')


Italy 1-0 Slovenia (Pazzini 85')


Serbia 1-1 Italy (Marchisio 1')


Italy 3-0 Northern Ireland (Cassano 21', 53', McAuley 74' [og])


Italy were drawn in Group C alongside reigning World and European Champions Spain. They would also have tough competition in Croatia and Ireland.

They started their journey in Poland and Ukraine with a 1-1 draw with Spain. Veteran striker Antonio Di Natale had put them ahead just after the hour mark, before Spain's Cesc Fabregas levelled the scores moments later.

Their next match against Croatia was just as difficult. An Andrea Pirlo free kick had put them ahead just before half time, however Mario Mandzukic equalised after the break to ensure a tense and tight final round of group fixtures.

With Spain beating Italy in the corresponding match, it was left to Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli to see off Ireland in the final game. The 2-0 victory meant Italy qualified for the knockout phase of the tournament in second place behind Spain.

England awaited in the Quarter Final's, and despite dominating the 90 minutes, the Italians couldn't find a goal. The "0-0 slaughter" as it was dubbed continued into the extra time period, however England's stern defence resisted every Italian attack, sending the match into a penalty shootout. It started poorly for Italy, with Riccardo Montolivo missing his penalty, before Ashley Young struck against the crossbar. Gianluigi Buffon then saved Ashley Cole's tame effort, before Alessandro Diamanti slotted home to sent Italy through to the final four.

There they met a Germany side who remained the only nation to still have a 100% record at the tournament. However two sensational goals from Mario Balotelli sent the Italians through to the Final.

Spain 1-1 Italy (Di Natale 61')


Italy 1-1 Croatia (Pirlo 39')


Italy 2-0 Ireland (Cassano 35', Balotelli 90')


England 0-0 Italy {2-4 pens}


Germany 1-2 Italy (Balotelli 20', 36')


Italy now set up a meeting between the last two World Cup Champions in the Euro 2012 Final. The Andrea Pirlo-led Italians are looking at winning their first ever European Championship crown since 1968.