Euro 2012: Two Recent World Cup Finalists Look to Atone for Lost Glory

The date was July 9th 2006, and two European giants battled to penalties in Berlin in an attempt to capture world football's ultimate prize; the World Cup trophy. For Italy and France, such a stage was commonplace. Italy was playing in its sixth final, while France was playing in its second, having also finished third twice; in 1958 and 1986.

But for as much glory as the 2006 World Cup finals brought the two nations, 2010 was a horror show, to put it lightly.

The Azzurri failed to advance out a group that featured New Zealand, Slovakia and Paraguay, and France's squad fell to shambles before the group stage had even concluded.

When the dust was settled, the world was witnessing a rare occurrence; neither Italy nor France had qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament.

Two years later, European football is ready to begin one of its most prestigious tournaments; Euro 2012.

For Italy and France, this is the perfect time to atone for their poor showings in South Africa, with the rest of Europe (and the world) watching.

It is also a good measurement of the progress the two sides have made towards rebuilding their national image and showing what they have to offer in Brazil come the 2014 finals.

I believe that both countries are going to make deep runs in this tournament, and they have assembled squads who will be able to play with anyone they meet.

YOUTH

Both Italy and France have a plethora of young talent on their preliminary rosters that are going to be instrumental in turning the two nation's fortunes around.

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Euro 2012: Two Recent World Cup Finalists Look to Atone for Lost Glory