At a glance
No one thought this Italy side was good enough to win it but under the guidance of Antonio Conte, they managed to exceed all expectations in what was a successful Euro 2016 for the Azzurri.
Highlight
While beating Belgium in the first game of the tournament sent a message of intent, the cynics remained unconvinced. But nothing earns global recognition quite like defeating European champions Spain by demonstrating the power of unity and organisation.
A side blessed with audacious skill, balance and experience, the Spanish team had become synonymous with success and were feared by every team at Euro 2016. Concocting and executing a perfect game plan, Italy proved that while they lacked star quality, they boasted enough intelligence, determination and cohesion to destroy the best in the business.
Their movements synchronised and their desire obvious, the Italians had clearly studied their opponents and moved seamlessly to neutralise the threat and attack their way to victory. Every player sacrificed themselves, every defender attacked and every attacker defended -- it was total football at its finest to reaffirm Italy's status in international tournaments.
Low point
With Italian football experiencing years of decline, a pessimistic atmosphere had led to constant criticism and an apparent loss of hope ahead of Euro 2016. Injuries to both Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti only exacerbated concerns and few in Italy believed in a side that lacked star quality in both midfield and attack.
Finishing at the top of their group before destroying Spain 2-0 in the round of 16 made believers out of the cynics. Conte had masked the deficiencies in the squad and capitalised on the mental fortitude of a group of men desperate to win a trophy. Their confidence and capacity to fight for the win ensured this tournament would always be described as a success.
That winning mentality and desperation for honours should have seen Italy capitalise on Germany's anxiety during the penalty shootout in the last eight. Instead, that desire worked against them when humility would have better served the likes of Simone Zaza and Graziano Pelle. No dancing, no provocation, no mind games -- Italy squandered a golden opportunity to punish an uncharacteristically poor penalty display by Germany.
Star man
Described as the worst squad the Italians had produced in years, it's incredible to believe such a mediocre group defeated the European champions and took the World Cup winners Germany to penalties. That remarkable feat was all down to one man, Conte, a coach renowned for his winning mentality and football intelligence.
Despite his limitations, Conte was a winner as a player, making himself integral to the team due to his ability to find solutions to problems he encountered on the field. As a coach, he does just that, creating a unit that can overcome most problems with intelligent thinking, meticulous preparation and relentless energy. No victory is unattainable, no team too powerful to defeat. With every detail studied and every pattern rehearsed, the organisation of the side allowed the players to express themselves on the pitch.
Conte's dogged determination enabled the Italians to play to their strengths, overcoming their obvious limitations.
Lessons learned
It's difficult to criticise an Italian side that overachieved at Euro 2016 despite key absences and a dearth of talent in both midfield and attack. With both Verratti and Marchisio ruled out due to injury, Italy endured a further blow when both Daniele De Rossi and Thiago Motta were unavailable for the quarterfinal with Germany. Forced to play without a midfielder who could create and also shield the defence, the Azzurri still managed to force the game into extra time, losing only on penalties.
Belgium taught us that star quality will earn curiosity, but Italy proved that it takes a team to win. A good Plan A coupled with relentless desire and mental fortitude can be enough to achieve incredible wins to progress through the tournament.
The Azzurri must carry through those lessons and remember that while talented individuals will always be admired, it takes a balanced unit to win -- one that is happy to sacrifice to earn glory.