They qualified from their group with ease above the likes of Norway and Scotland as Luca Toni finished top scorer with four goals.
Expectations, as always with the Italians, are high and star names such as Francesco Totti, Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Nesta will be under pressure to give the side their first triumph since 1982.
However, manager Marcello Lippi has insisted that no-one is guaranteed a place in his line-up and that was proven in qualifying when players such as Cristian Zaccardo and Alberto Gilardino were given their chance ahead of more established names.
Coach: Marcello Lippi
One to watch: Alberto Gilardino
World ranking: 13
Previous tournaments: 14
Best finish: Winners (1934, 1938, 1982)