Italy made it through the group in the EURO 2008 Nations' Cup an now will face a very talented Spanish team in the quarterfinals.

What can I say. I am obviously thrilled that a rough start turned out to be what the team needed to get even closer and focus on a common goal, qualifying against all odds.

It's not easy being the Champions of the World because everyone out there wants to play the best game of their life and beat the Champs. Everyone one else finds an extra source of strength, stamina, desire, and endurance to beat the favorites.  Being an underdog is always a great scenario because there is nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Just look what happened to Holland!

Being the Champs, on the other hand, calls for added pressure, responsibility, image, media scrutiny, fans expectations, and, at times, a sense of complacency that can work against you when asked to do it over again.

Well, the Azzurri responded well. They regrouped, they focused on the ties that bond each member of the national squad and they were able to find back the trail they had walked together during the World Cup in 2006.

I am convinced that mental strength is the most important matter during competitions like the Champions League, Euro Cup, World Cup, etc. and for what I could see and read, the Italian team is back on the saddle, ready to face the Spaniards this coming Sunday.

I fancy our chances. We still are, after all, the Champions of the World!

Forza Italia!