Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group C: Unproved Italy Sees Chief Challenger Stumble
How Things Were, Before Friday: Italy was perfect but still unproved, having drawn Estonia and the Faroes to start the tournament. Serbia had tripped, changed coaches, but still seemed capable to taking the group. Northern Ireland was the dark horse, with Slovenia’s challenge mitigated by having lost at home.
Where They Stand, Now: Serbia is in chaos, with Vladimir Petrovic’s debut dramatically failing, losing at home to Estonia. That left Italy top of the group after a draw in Belfast,a result that should have us considering Northern Ireland more seriously; however, that result only feeds the feeling that nobody from Group C is set to step forward and take the group from the Azzurri.
Question That Will Define The Group, Going Forward: Will Cesare Prandelli get Italy figured out before one of Northern Ireland, Serbia, or Slovenia can distinguish themselves?
Predicted Order Of Finish:
- Italy
- Northern Ireland
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
