Italy are eager to banish memories of their nightmare World Cup as they prepare for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway in Oslo tonight.
The Azzurri failed to get beyond the group stage in Brazil after losing two of their three matches but head into their Group H opener in confident mood after last week’s 2-0 friendly triumph over Holland in Bari.
That result handed a winning start to new Italy coach Antonio Conte, who replaced Cesare Prandelli at the helm last month.
“That (Holland game) was an important test for the national team and we responded in the best possible way,” Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon said.
“Now we begin our qualifying campaign and I’m confident we can do very well with Conte.”
Norway go into the clash on the back of a 1-0 defeat to England in last week’s friendly at Wembley and knowing they face a stern test against Euro 2012 runners-up Italy.
“There is no doubt that Italy are the clear favourites,” Norway coach Per-Mathias Hogmo said.
“Historically we have had a lot of good matches with Italy, both in qualification and in final tournaments, so it is going to be exciting.”
Croatia look set to pose the biggest threat to Italy in the fight for top spot in the pool.
The Balkan side, who were also eliminated in the first round of the World Cup, expect to cruise past Malta in Zagreb today.
Atletico Madrid forward Mario Mandzukic, whose brace handed Croatia a 2-0 friendly win over Cyprus last week, is set to start against Malta.
Beating Azerbaijan in their opening match in Baku is likely to be essential for Bulgaria if they are to have a chance to qualify for their first major tournament since Euro 2004.
“It’s a tough group but it’s not impossible,” Bulgaria coach Lyuboslav Penev said. “We know a lot about Italy and Malta – we played them both during the last World Cup qualifiers and we know each well.
“Norway are a solid side and Croatia have some world-class players. We need a good start.”
Azerbaijan have never qualified for a major tournament but, at the very least, are determined to make life difficult for all their opponents.
“We won’t make it easy for these big football nations,” Azerbaijan’s German coach Berti Vogts said.
“Finishing third would be a dream for us and anything is possible provided we don’t give away presents.”