Italy

Italy are the most successful European nation at the World Cup finals, boasting 4 titles and 6 appearances in the final, only Brazil have won more championships, and their footballing pedigree is second to none. With one of the strongest leagues in the world, Italy’s success on the international stage comes as little surprise, though the country has often been criticised for defensive tactics that many believe have prevented them winning further titles.
However in 2 recent competitions Italy have come out of their shell; in 1982, inspired by Paolo Rossi, Italy knocked out overwhelming favourites Brazil and the fancied Argentineans against all the odds with superb attacking football. Then in 2006, Marcello Lippi led the Azzurri to glory again including a memorable win over host nation Germany, despite the game at home being rocked by a match-fixing scandal. Susceptible to early elimination, once they are out of the group stages Italy tend to grow, and become much harder to beat as the tournament progresses.