| The next football event which will shake the | | | | For the Euro 1996, Germany, Czech Republic and |
| European grounds is just around the corner. The Euro | | | | Russia were part of the group selection the Italians |
| 2008 will be held on 7 June, 2008 in various cities of | | | | had to play, they were knocked out due to a |
| the countries of Switzerland and Austria. | | | | head-to-head match against the Czechs. |
| The four group seedings for the event has recently | | | | And more recently, the scenario for the Euro 2008 |
| taken place and it seems it will have an unpredictable | | | | points to a group in which the Azzurri could play |
| edge as the groups are set in the following way: Pot | | | | Spain, Holland and France or perhaps even a set of |
| One: Switzerland, Austria, Greece and Netherlands. | | | | un fancied teams including Poland, Romania, Sweden |
| Pot Two: Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic and Sweden. | | | | and Austria. |
| Pot Three: Romania, Germany, Portugal and Spain | | | | Regarding the well-known "Oranje" this team was |
| and Pot Four: Poland, France, Turkey and Russia. | | | | knocked out of the last World Cup in the second |
| UEFA draw for the 16-team tournament will be held | | | | round, and they did have to work hard in order to |
| Dec. 2 in Lucerne, Switzerland. | | | | qualify for Euro 2008 in a very weak group. Holland |
| Over the years, the Azzurri have had tough time | | | | possibly has the worst defence after Austria but it is |
| moving forward in the team eliminations as they | | | | their back-line which helps with names like: Wilfred |
| continue to be placed in the so called "Group of | | | | Bouma, Andre Ooijer and Mario Melchiot. Holland, will |
| Deaths". Back in 1978 Italy had to play the host and | | | | be allowed to play all their games in the one location |
| eventual winners Argentina, France and Hungary. At | | | | and have an advantage due to their Pot One position. |
| the World Cup USA 1994, Italians had one the | | | | The above mentioned seedings have been arranged |
| closest-fight battles as their group became the | | | | according to a coefficient shown during the matches |
| strongest in football history; Ireland, Mexico, Norway | | | | won and lost and goals scored throughout the |
| along with Italy scored almost the same amount of | | | | qualifying for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. |
| points. The Italians qualified only by a goal difference. | | | | |