Euro 2012: The Year of the Italian Manager Could Spell Success for Azzurri

Friday, June 8 will see the start of the European Championships as 16 countries attempt to win the most prestigious international tournament of the year.

Euro 2012 will be underway and we'll be closer to knowing just who will lift the illustrious trophy.

Many are tipping favorites Spain to clinch the title—to add to their Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup victories—and with their all-star side, they are clearly the favorites for it all.

Then there's Germany who are considered the side most likely to stop them. There's the usual hope, despite a lack of confidence for the English, and the constant threat of the French.

And then there's Italy.

They're not talked about in the same sentence with Spain or Germany, nor are they expected to achieve similar results at Europe's most illustrious tournament. The Azzurri will be solid as always, but in the eyes of many, will simply be another also-ran at Euro 2012.

Yet, despite flying under the radar from the eyes of the footballing world, Italy aren't to be underestimated for the tournament—nor are their title aspirations to be dismissed.

This is a team that qualified undefeated for Euro 2012 and only conceded two goals in the process. Group C might not have been the toughest qualifying group, but to concede two goals through 10 matches is a remarkable effort. In fact, two goals was the lowest out of all teams that went through the qualification process—including the likes of Spain and Germany.

Consider also their actual group for the tournament which consists of favorites Spain and then two lesser teams in Croatia and Republic of Ireland—but the real strength for the Azzurri lies in the fact they have drawn Spain in their group.

This gives them two main advantages.

Firstly, regardless of whether they qualify first or second, they'll be on the opposite side of the draw to Spain, meaning that they won't have to play them until the final. And secondly, should they meet each other in the final, they'll have the advantage of having already played them in the tournament—a bonus that no other team had.

Yet despite what may unfold throughout Euro 2012, Italy already have an advantage. Before a single ball is kicked and a single tackle made, Italy have an advantage.

The Azzurri have an Italian manager.

Shock horror, I know, that the national Italian team would have an Italian manager, but they do, and Cesare Prandelli will be an advantage for the Italy throughout the tournament.

Not because of his incredible coaching skills or his rivaled knowledge of the game.

Simply because he's Italian.

If the 2011-12 season has showed us anything, it's showed us that having an Italian manager—for whatever reason—coincides with victory and league success.

Start with the English Premier League where Manchester City triumphed on the final day to clinch their first league title in 44 years. They were led brilliantly by Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero throughout the season, but also, by manager Roberto Mancini.

Italian.

Then there was the FA Cup, where Chelsea hung on to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool—much to the delight of fill-in coach Robert Di Matteo.

Italian.

The most prestigious tournament in Europe—the UEFA Champions League—looked like it was going to be won by Bayern Munich, who led with five minutes to go in the final and had a penalty in extra time to win it. Yet again, Chelsea triumphed and Di Matteo had a second title to his name.

Italian.

Other leagues around the world were also won by an Italian manager—starting with the obvious one in the Serie A, where Juventus won the league under former Italian player and now manager Antonio Conte. Even the Russian Premier League which was won by Zenit Saint Petersburg was won under Luciano Spalletti.

And he's Italian.

For whatever reason it may be, Italian managers are winning major tournaments this year and they're winning them with sides that weren't expected to win. Manchester City weren't supposed to win the English Premier League and Chelsea definitely weren't meant to win the UEFA Champions League, but under Italian managers, they did.

Thus the Italians must have full confidence heading in to Euro 2012—both in their squad and ability, but also the pedigree and nationality of their manager. It might not be much and it might just be coincidence, but any advantage they can get will be invaluable throughout the tournament.

The year 2012 is proving itself to be the year of the Italian manager and their ability to win tournaments they weren't meant to win; Euro 2012 could well prove it to be true once more.

That's what the Azzurri will tell you anyway.

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