How are Italy preparing for the tournament?
The Azzurri will play two friendlies between now and the start of the tournament: Luxembourg are the visitors in Parma on May 29, before Cesare Prandelli takes his side to Switzerland for an altitude training camp, and a subsequent match with Russia. Italy then fly to Gdansk on June 4, six days before their opening game with Spain on June 10. They will visit Auschwitz concentration camp on June 6, four days before they kick off their campaign against the Spaniards.

What are Italy's realistic chances in Euro 2012?
Prandelli's men can realistically hope to reach the quarter-finals or further. With the shadow of South Africa looming large over the squad, the 23 will want to make amends for that awful showing two years ago. They could find it tough, though: a group comprising of world and European champions Spain, perennial over-achievers Croatia and a Republic of Ireland side who haven't competed in a major tournament for a decade, won't be easy.

What is Italy's toughest group game?
Undoubtedly Spain. The defending champions were exemplary in qualifying, and will look to get off to the best possible start in a tournament which rewards momentum. Italy, however, will be buoyed by their 2-1 friendly win against Del Bosque's men less than a year ago, when a late Alberto Aquiliani strike sealed the victory against La Furia Roja.

Are there any injury or fitness concerns?
The injury to Giuseppe Rossi is a huge blow for Italy. His tireless running and ability to stretch defences would have been a huge asset to the Azzurri, but as it is, his second cruciate ligament injury in the space of 12 months will see him miss the tournament. The other worry is Antonio Cassano. The Milan forward has missed almost the entire season after heart surgery in October, and although he has since made a goal-scoring return for the Rossoneri, whether he can play such high intensity games in such a short space of time remains to be seen.

Are there any surprise picks who could go to the Euros?
Who knows with Prandelli! Many have attempted to predict the 23-man squad since the season began, but as yet, no one can claim to know for certain. There are few certainties who have guaranteed their place on the plane: Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Christian Maggio, Andrea Pirlo, Antonio Nocerino, Mario Balotelli and Cassano, but the rest of the places really are up for grabs. Names from left-field like Torino's Angelo Ogbonna could force themselves in, as well as Atalanta's flying winger Ezequiel Schelotto, and Roma's former Chelsea forward Fabio Borini.

What is the biggest issue for the coach to resolve?
Italy's strengths are clearly in defence and midfield, with the likes of Buffon, Chiellini and Pirlo laying claim to being one of the best in the world in their respective positions. It is in attack though, where the Azzurri have struggled of late. Only 20 goals were scored in 10 qualifying games, against the likes of Faroe Islands and Estonia. Cassano's lack of fitness is a huge worry, and with Balotelli not getting nearly enough minutes under his belt, goals could be a real problem at the tournament. There has been a huge call recently for Antonio Di Natale to be recalled, but Prandelli isn't the sort of coach to pander to the interest of the masses, and that, ultimately, could be his downfall.