How did they get there: CSA Europe Elite League member.
Manager: Giovanni Sonovalli. The youngest coach in the tournament at the age of only 35. The defender played in two EuroCups in 2000 and 2004.
Captain: Emiliano Tournetti. Appointed captain after the retirement of legendary centre-back Gianni Terlizzi after the 2006 CSA World Cup.
Euro highlights: Their 1996 run in England, that ended with a 3-1 defeat to the hosts in the final. Highlights from that campaign include stunning 5-2 scalp of the Netherlands and a 3-0 sweep of Spain.
Euro legend: Gianni Terlizzi. He had brilliant centre-back quality. Appeared in three EuroCups in 1996, 2000 and 2004. Unusually for a centre-back, he also excelled at free-kicks and penalties.
Star player: Niccolò Milanese. The Sheffield Strikers striker is a quality Italian striker.
Strengths: Attack. The Milanese brothers, Niccolò and Marco are a dangerous strike force together.
Weaknesses: Technique. The Italian players lack technique and that's something they'll never improve on.
World ranking: 5th.
Our verdict: With them being in a very tough group with Netherlands and Spain in it, Italy may struggle with both their rivals' quality. But if they can get results against them, they could get to the semi-finals at least.
