Italy
The five-times winners of the tournament enter this year's version with a strong squad, and a strong chance of success. Italy has a long-held tradition of producing talented young players, and this squad is testament to that tradition.
Their squad boasts a strong all-round presence, with the likes of Santon and Criscito shoring up their defence. While in midfield, Cigarini, Dessena, Marchisio and Motta will pose problems to any side.
But it is in attack that their real strength lies, where Robert Acquafresca and Alberto Paloschi accompany starlets Sebastian Giovinco and Mario Balotelli.
Everyone's Watching: Mario Balotelli—Has experienced a turbulent second season at Inter Milan, but there is no doubting his potential. His goalscoring record is formidable and fortunes and form could be vital to Italy's success.
Most Important Player: Claudio Marchisio—Perhaps the most experienced in this Italian team, Marchisio's form in central midfield could be a vital part in how Italy perform. A mature, tactically astute prospect, he could thrive in Sweden.
One For The Scouts: Sebastien Giovinco—Despite not featuring regularly in the Juventus first team, Giovinco is still viewed by many as one of Italy's brightest attacking prospect. The formica atomica (Atomic Ant) is a playmaker of the highest order, and could be a key figure if Italy are to emerge victorious.
Chances: Like Spain, boast players with experience and ability, and the Azzurini are rightly regarded as favourites for the title.
Sweden
The hosts come into this tournament with little tournament pedigree, apart from a rare appearance in the 2004 tournament where they were spearheaded by Bolton's Johan Elmander.
Now that the Swedes having qualified as hosts they will be hoping to put him a good performance on their home turf, yet their team mainly comprised of home-grown talents will be up against it to go far in this tournament.
But there are some unpolished gems to be found, certainly Blackburn's Martin Olsson, Mattias Bjarsmyr, Pontus Wernbloom, and the exciting PSV striker Ola Toivonen are ones to keep an eye on.
Everyone's Watching: Marcus Berg—Hit 15 goals during an injury-hit campaign for Heerenveen. Is tall, a good header of the ball, two footed, and will certainly be on the radar of scouts throughout the tournament.
Most Important Player: Ola Toivonen—a striker who is gaining quite a reputation. Toivonen was signed in January by PSV, and has since scored six goals for the Dutch side, and has drawn comparisons with fellow Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his style of play and fiery temperament.
One For The Scouts: Robin Soder—An exciting prospect who has attracted the attention of the likes of Werder Bremen and AC Milan in the past, Soder is also the youngest ever player to feature for Sweden's under 21 team.
Chances: The hosts lack the punch to sustain a challenge, though they are best placed to cause an upset.
Serbia
The finalists from the 2007 tournament are hoping to go one better this time and win the tournament, though they will be without some of their stars, Branislav Ivanovic and Bosko Jankovic. But despite their absence, this Serbian team are packed with talented youngsters who could go far in this tournament.
The likes of captain Milan Smiljanic, Gojko Kacar and Manchester United's Zoran Tosic all featured in the side which reached that final, and have all been capped by the Serbian senior side and will be key components of their side. But there is new talent emerging to accompany the more senior players, in the likes of Ajax's Miralem Sulejmani, left back Ivan Obradovic, and Dusan Tadic.
Everyone's Watching: Zoran Tosic—Lack of first team opportunities have hindered Manchester United's January signing, but this tournament should provide Tosic with the chance to make an impression on an international stage.
Most Important Player: Gojko Kacar—A dominant defensive midfielder, and a real powerhouse talent in midfield. His form for Serbia in qualifying was vital to their success, as he weighed in with six goals, including five in one match against Hungary. Currently plays for Hertha Berlin, many pundits are predicting great things from the Serbian midfielder.
One For The Scouts: Miralem Sulejmani—Believed by some commentators to be the next great talent to come from Serbia, the Ajax striker's talent has attracted suitors, though after a difficult first season at the Amsterdam side, he will be determined to showcase all his talents.
Chances: For many, the Serbs are the best outside bet for the title, the talent is there, and should they get on a roll then they could well cause a stir.
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