Whereas the fate of many national coaches will be decided by what transpires over the next month, Antonio Conte’s is already decided. The 46-year-old will return to club management with Chelsea following Italy’s eventual exit, leaving a rather curious state of affairs as the team look to go one step further than 2012 and try and make up for a dismal World Cup two years ago.

Italy are tournament specialists and boast an impressive record at European Championships having reached the semi-finals in five of their eight appearances; but the question is how will the players respond to a manager the majority of them know won’t be working with them ever again?

Common wisdom dictates a strong defence should see them into the knockouts but injuries to Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio and defeats in friendlies to elite sides, after a relatively comfort-free qualification campaign, ave caused an air of vulnerability around the team. Italy were outclassed 3-1 last year against Belgium in Brussels – the side they open Group E against in Lyon. That will prove a tough test but the Italians can fly under the radar with much of the hype on the Red Devils with games against Sweden and Republic of Ireland more than innable.

Much will depend on the Juventus defensive axis of Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli who have just claimed a fifth-straight Scudetto –  three of which were won under their national coach – and almost operate as one individual entity, such is their mutual understanding.

The omissions of MLS –based midfield creators Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco has caused some controversy, while at one point an international return for Francesco Totti was mooted. That offers a perfect insight into where the Azzurri’s strengths will lie in France.

STRENGTHS

Italy’s tournament nous will be crucial in a group pitting them with Belgium as well as Sweden and Republic of Ireland, who can both cause an upset. But there’s a steel about an otherwise unspectacular looking side. Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are a defensive trio you’d have on your side going into battle, while Gianluigi Buffon is as dependable as ever.

WEAKNESSES

Conte’s reliance on a three-man defence hasn’t exactly won the support of players and fans alike and although they boast experience, Italy have looked vulnerable to pace and power on the counter. Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti’s absence through injury leaves two huge creative holes in midfield and preferred No9 Graziano Pelle isn’t blessed with international pedigree.

STAR MAN – LORENZO INSIGNE

Capable of playing as a winger or centrally, just off the striker, the 24-yearold Napoli forward has just enjoyed the most productive and consistent season of his career and represents one of the few genuine individual match-winners in Conte’s squad. Has endured a strange international career given he was first called-up in 2012 but has less than 10 caps to his name. Much of that is down to Cesare Prandelli and Conte’s failure to find a role for him in the team. With his pace and vibrancy in attack, that needs to change sooner rather than later.

VERDICT

Arguably European football’s big-game performers, the Italians have struggled recently against nations boasting top quality but should have enough nous in their ranks to reach at least the last eight.