Cesare Prandelli backs Italy for Euro 2012 success

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has claimed that his side is capable of winning this summer's European Championships.

Despite being drawn in a tough group comprising the Republic of Ireland, Croatia and champions Spain, the former Fiorentina boss backed the Azzurri for success.

He said: "I think all coaches at any level before starting a game think they can win it. We have the experience to face big teams and certainly we have the conviction, which we have created within the group.

"This means that in difficult moments we know we are together, when needed we have the willingness to help each other and I am also convinced that we can play good football. We leave for the European Championships to win them."

Italy's first match of Euro 2012 is against Spain at the PGE Arena in Gdansk in Poland on June 10.