They say courage and success is not about wishing for the storm to cease, but knowing how to dance in the rain. Italy are now one game away from lifting their first major trophy in six years.
How did the squad manage to overcome the country’s match fixing and betting scandals? How did coach Cesare Prandelli turn Italy’s fortunes around within two years?
The Azzurri’s disastrous 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign is well in the past. Now, they are eying the prospect of lifting the UEFA Euro 2012 trophy at the expense of current European and world champions Spain.
Achieving this feat will surely not come easy but with Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli and an attacking football formula, Italy have a beautiful chance of striking gold. However, even if the Italians lose on Sunday, they would still have a lot to be proud about.
Losing to Russia and rocked by match-fixing scandal
Only few, if no-one, gave a chance to Italy a few days before UEFA Euro 2012 kicked off. During the qualification phase, the Azzurri conceded only two goals and went unbeaten from start to finish. However, these achievements got overshadowed by a brutal 3-0 loss to Russia in a crucial warm-up match on June 1.
Suddenly, Italy became “favourites” to crash out from Euro 2012 in the first round just like it happened at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Besides this devastating defeat to the Russians, the country got rocked by match fixing and betting scandals during preparations for the 2012 UEFA European Championship. 
At some point, the Italians had considered withdrawing from this summer’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine. The matter was so severe that a helpless Cesare Prandelli told RAI:
“If you tell me that it would be better for Italian football not to play at Euro 2012, I would not have a problem with it. There are things in life that I believe to be more important than football. […] I would like to just talk about football, but what is happening right now is forcing us to do otherwise.”
Like a typical veteran player tasked to rally his squad, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon showed his combative spirit ahead of the tournament. Commenting on Italy’s distracting match fixing issue, Buffon reportedly stated:
“Don't be fooled by those whose job it is to stir up trouble! We're ready to battle, with you by our sides.”
One man who did not blow Italy’s match fixing scandal and heavy defeat to Russia out of proportion is Giovanni Trapattoni. The septuagenarian warned Euro 2012’s other contenders through RTE’s microphone, stating:
“It would be a great mistake if you think Italy is this [finished], because we don't know how they have done in their training camp.”
Inspired by Buffon, Pirlo and Balotelli, Italy are strong
Apparently, Giovanni Trapattoni was right. Cesare Prandelli maintained his cool and expertly kept control of Italy’s squad and team spirit. The Azzurri shamed their doubters by avoiding defeat against European and world champions Spain in their opening Euro 2012 match.
Pundits had tipped La Furia Roja to outplay the Italians and snatch all three points. However, nothing as such happened at the relief of Daniele De Rossi.
“The draw against Spain gives us great confidence, because it was the hardest game in our group. Being in front of such an opponent was amazing,” the player told the press in the aftermath of the encounter.
“There's been some noise around us that did not help us and after the defeat against Russia, it was normal to think of a catastrophe but it was not so, we ended up having a good game.”
Meanwhile, Gianluigi Buffon left the following messaging in an interview with Italian news source Il Corriere dello Sport:
“Tonight I saw an Italy I had always dreamed of - a team where everyone helps each other out when in need. I am proud.”
Indeed, unity helped the Azzurri overcome their challenges in Group C. They had to wait until the very last match in the group phase to reach the quarter-finals. Two stars that have stand out above the rest in the squad are Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli. Before the tournament, Italy international Thiago Motta declared at a press conference:
“Balotelli has not changed anything from his time at Inter, he always makes me angry. He must realise that wearing the shirt of the national team is a big responsibility.
“He must be aware that with his characteristics, he can help us reach the next level in terms of quality, helping his team-mates on the field.
“Another key member of the team is Andrea Pirlo, who plays in a simple but effective way. We have to help him.”
Pirlo’s presence was vital against England in the Last 8. To top off his majestic performance, the Juventus midfielder converted a Panenka penalty as Italy sealed a dramatic 4-2 win over the Three Lions.
In the semi-finals against pre-tournament favourites Germany, it was Mario Balotelli's turn to steal the show. His first-half header and exquisite volley sent the Germans packing.
Ahead of Sunday's UEFA Euro 2012 final against Spain, coach Cesare Prandelli can be proud of having made good use of Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli’s so far. Like Spain’s Gerard Pique revealed, “players like Mario Balotelli can make you win a match, and players like Andrea Pirlo can make you win a tournament.”
Euro 2012: A tale of taming the Spanish bull?
Coincidentally, Italy will meet Spain again. The Azzurri commenced their UEFA Euro 2012 campaign against the Spaniards and they will end it against the Spaniards.
“Six years ago, fans celebrated [our 2006 FIFA World Cup feat] at the end but a month before, the [bad] atmosphere [marked by match fixing scandals] was really similar,” Daniele de Rossi recalled before Italy kicked off their adventure in Poland and Ukraine.
Since quite a few years now, Spain have proven to be the team to beat. However, the UEFA Euro 2012 final on July 1 could turn out to be Italy’s special moment to reclaim their authority at the highest level.
