Italy's resounding 5-0 defeat of the Faroe Islands in the last Euro 2012 qualifier was greeted with widespread alacrity amongst Italian fans because it provided respite from an annus horribilis for the Azzurri.
The World Cup in South Africa shocked even the most committed fatalist: Italy finished bottom of a group that contained New Zealand, Slovakia, and Paraguay.

The customary post-mortems all agreed that perhaps coach Marcello Lippi had left the country's best players at home. Antonio Cassano's virtuoso performance against the Faroe Islands does much to vindicate that view. However, with all due respect, Cassano carved open Faroe Islands, not Spain. The real test for Italy begins now, as they play Northern Ireland tomorrow and Serbia on Tuesday.

Coach Cesare Prandelli must be optimistic, however. He confirmed that he will be going with a trident of Simone Pepe, Antonio Cassano, and Marco Borriello. They will be supported by Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, and Lazio's Stefano Mauri, who has been playing impressively for Lazio, in midfield. In front of Emiliano Viviano will be the central defensive pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

Out wide in defence will be Mattea Cassani of Palermo and Domenico Criscito. Milan's Gianluca Zambrotta is called up, but he will not start the game. Zambrotta is one appearance away from recording 100 caps for Italy.

Northern Ireland have been in fine form at home, winning eight of their last eleven matches. Though they are outmatched in theory, they can spring a surprise for Italy.

Prediction

This is an interesting Group C encounter that has the potential for an upset. However, Prandelli's Italy should prevail 2-1.

- Hasan Saiyid