Just read the lineup that Lippi is taking to Germany and I must say that without a doubt this is the weakest Italian team I have ever seen. This lineup is weaker than the Italian team we took to Euro 2004 and that failed to pass the group stages. I don't hold much hope for this Italian campaign once agian we have great strikers but not much else. My honest prediction is that Italy will be lucky to make the second round with the likes of Ghana, USA and Chez repubblic its going to be a close one.

You obviously didn't see the recent friendlies when the wops battered Germany 4-1 and Holland 3-1. No need to be pessimistic. This is a bloody good Italian squad, and the best I can remember for a long time.

Just because some of the names this year aren't recognisable to people outside Italy doesn't mean it's a weak squad, Lippi has them playing to their potential and in an entertaining system. If i was Italian i'd be optimistic about Italy chances considering how well they've played in the last 10 months or so.