My dark horse is Italy. Balotelli, Pirlo, De Rossi, Chiellini, Aquilani, Barzagli, Candreva, Buffon, Ranocchia....they have a solid squad that is a nice mix of old and young. I guess I don't see them winning it, but I don't see any of the dark horses winning it. I think they're going to do better than you expect, though.
Also, is there a good site to see what the projected starting 11 and formation will be for each squad? June 2nd was the deadline and I am not finding them neatly laid out anywhere. I basically have to get them all from news paper articles. Bleacher Report is a no go, too
I really like Italy's squad too.
I also really liked Marcello Lippi's recent comments about the team where he said the psychological profile if this Italy team was similar to his 2006 World Cup winning side. I thought Lippi was right on the money on that comment. I love the experience of this team.
* Buffon, Pirlo and De Rossi all part of that 2006 team.
* Prandelli has been there for four years now. Got the team playing with a new style, a new identity, that has been firmly ingrained in the players.
* The collective experience of the squad is fantastic ... pretty much the same team that went to the Finals in the European Championships two years ago.
* The grouping of Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci and Buffon at club level at Juventus. Partnerships and understanding so important at the back.
* The individual experience of each player in the squad. The guys already mentioned above. So much experience there. Plus Thiago Motta, who has won the Champions League and has fantastic experience with Inter and PSG. Players like Marchisio and Cassano too. Abate has been around for a number of years now at AC Milan as well.
I just love the mental makeup of that group. In terms of where the players are in their careers and where their team is in their stage of evolution. It is a beautiful time and place for that group of players.
And of course the talent is fantastic too
* I love Italy's backline. I think they have the strongest defense in the tournament.
* The midfield trio of Pirlo flanked by De Rossi and Thiago Motta is incredibly strong. One of the best central midfields in the tournament. De Rossi and Thiago Motta give their defense terrific protection. All three are high quality passers. And Pirlo is one of the finest playmakers on the planet. De Rossi's ability to drop into the back and adapt formations is amazing too. Shame Montolivo got injured the other day. He'll be a loss for them.
* The attack is the area of concern but there is talent there. Balotelli is fantastic when on form. Immobile seems like a very interesting player just entering his prime. Looking forward to seeing more of him with Dortmund next season. Cassano has been up and down his whole career but he is coming off a great season with Parma and is one of the best passers in Europe. Shame about Giuseppe Rossi. He was playing great earlier in the season and would have been a huge asset for Italy. Cerci, I haven't seen play in a few years but he was a great prospect back in the day and apparently had a great season in Torino alongside Immobile. Plus young Insigne who was a standout at last summer's under 21 Euro Championships.
I just love so much about that team. I think it was a great group (emphasis on group).