Italy - Group D
The most interesting aspect of the Italian team is its total devotion to its homeland. Only England can beat Italy in terms of players that actually play in their home country. For Italy, only the three players that were tempted to big-spending PSG play outside of Italy. Italian football is based on possession, close control and slow build-up play. Expect them to be the brick wall that stops the English freight train.
Players to watch: Mario Balotelli, who once started a fire by setting off fireworks in his bathroom, is always entertaining, and veteran midfielders Thiago Motta, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo will provide a stable base and clever passing.
Prediction: With a good run, they could make the semis.
