Are Italy set to steal the spot-light at Euro 2016 this summer?

Although this year’s European Championships are arguably yet to explode with all the excitement and goal-scoring action you’d perhaps expect from such a hotly anticipated summer spectacle, Euro 2016 has nonetheless served to delight thus far.

 

Spain have seemingly re-established their growing dominance upon the international scene of late, France look equally threatening with the likes of Dimitri Payet and co. running the show up-top, and even England have shown glimpses of quality throughout the group-stage fixtures of the tournament.

 

Italy however, have somehow taken many international football fans by surprise this summer with their dogged – yet rather effective approach out on the field…

 

Italy have won Group E with a game to spare. Remember when people said they'd struggle to get out of the group? pic.twitter.com/3PpE341aQ8

— Calcio AS Roma (@CalcioASRoma) 18 June 2016

 

Some are now clearly expecting Antonio Conte’s courageous outfit to really go all the way at Euro 2016…

 

Couldn't help cheering when Italy won, they show what can happen with team spirit and a passion to win for your country #BELITA #EURO2016

— Cristóbal (@Chris_Freeman97) 13 June 2016

 

…even if others have been left slightly surprised by this supposedly ‘weak' Italian side…

 

LOOOL This was supposed to be the worst Italy side for decades, maybe ever, yet they were hugely impressive. Typical Italians, right?

— addy (@Addyylaide) 17 June 2016

 

That hasn’t stopped a few critics from having their say over the Azzurri however…

 

I hope that Italy goes all the way and win this but in order for that to happen, performance needs to improve.

— Abdullah (@AboOodRoma) 18 June 2016

 

…whilst some simply can’t take their eyes of this summer’s finals no matter what…

 

When your best friend is getting married, but Italy is playing with Sweden at the same time… #euro2016 #ita pic.twitter.com/iAV9OvMteu

— Avanti Ultras (@Avanti_Ultras_) 19 June 2016

 

So then, can Italy really go on to prove their early doubters wrong and triumphantly go all the way this summer?

 

Classic Italy performance. That can win tournaments #EURO2016

— Josh Claxton (@WhoIsClaxtonJJ) 13 June 2016

 

…despite a fair amount fierce competition still standing in the Italians’ way at Euro 2016 within the grand scheme of things…

 

So today Italy and Spain have joined France in the last 16 – doesn't look like we'll get a shock, outsider winning Euro 2016

— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) 17 June 2016

 

…many say yes!

 

Italy will win this tournament. Just hoping nobody realises it until I am back and can put money on it. #EURO2016 #ITA

— Michael Hopkins (@mhopkins86) 13 June 2016