The Euro 2016 championship is less than a week away and, as is customary on the eve of a major tournament, football pundits give their predictions on which teams will shine during the France finals. Valhmor Camilleri obtained the views of four former players who spoke with Times of Malta Sportsdesk over the past weeks…

Fabrizio Ravanelli

(former Juventus striker)

“Italy’s preparations for Euro 2016 have been hit hard by the injuries to Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio. They are two excellent players and it will surely not be easy for Antonio Conte to find valid replacements.

“But, despite these problems, I still think that Italy can make a good impression in the Euro finals. Germany, Spain, Belgium and France surely start among the favourites to win the title. Italy always manage to perform at their best when seemingly in difficulty and I think they will make it through to the semi-finals... and hopefully progress beyond.”

Giancarlo Antognoni

(former Italy midfielder)

“There are some formidable teams who will be vying for victory at Euro 2016... the likes of Germany, France, Spain and Belgium among others.

“For the Italian national team, it has become quite the norm that they stutter during warm-up matches before a major championship and this year has been no exception.

“Coach Antonio Conte has rarely fielded his strongest side and he used the friendlies to try out some new players. Surely, the absence of midfielders Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio is a huge blow but I’m sure Conte will bring in good replacements.

“I believe that Italy have the potential to at least reach the semi-finals. Finishing among the top four would already be a great result.”

Colin Hendry

(former Scotland defender)

“It was disappointing for Scotland to miss out on Euro 2016 but we were drawn in a very tough group along with Germany, Poland and Ireland. So, it was always going to be a fight for us to finish third and contest the play-offs.

“As regards Euro 2016, I think France are the big favourites. They are playing on home soil and they have a very competitive squad. I think it will be extremely difficult to beat them in front of their fans.

“England have also shown some good form and they will surely fancy their chances while Germany are always strong contenders.”

Lorenzo Amoruso

(former Rangers captain)

“Italy have a very particular squad. They don’t have a lot of formidable players as in the past but their strength is their collective effort. In Antonio Conte, they have a coach who, in the last month of preparations, will succeed in turning the squad into a very united outfit.

“There are some very strong teams in Euro 2016 like Germany, France, England and Belgium. Italy will not start among the leading favourites but I still fancy their chances of making at least the semi-finals.”