Italy is happy to play the underdog role for the last time at the European Championship.
Having proved wrong the pre-match predictions of a defeat by Germany in the semifinals, the Azzurri believe they can do the same in Sunday's final against defending champion Spain.
But as captain Gianluigi Buffon pointed out Saturday, Italy does ''have a problem tomorrow - because we're facing a squad that has shown its superiority.
''Luckily it starts at 0-0,'' Buffon added. ''Spain is the favorite, because they've dominated for four years and they've got great champions. Italy is the surprise, and we hope to surprise right down to the end.''
Meanwhile, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli revealed that he won't use the three-man defense he employed in the 1-1 draw with Spain that opened Group C. Instead, he'll use the traditional four-man backline that has conceded only one goal - and a consolation penalty kick at that, in the 2-1 win over Germany - in Italy's last three matches.
''Over the last few matches we've maintained our balance,'' Prandelli said. ''Although (the three-man defense) could be an option to change to during the match.''
Balance will be a priority against a lineup that contains so many leading Barcelona and Real Madrid players that Buffon couldn't single out one individual that Italy must contain.
''Spain has so many champions, starting with their goalkeeper and moving on to their defense, their midfield and their strikers, that choosing one would represent a lack of respect for all the others,'' Buffon said. ''This is a squad that has dominated world football for six glorious years.''
In fact, Spain is attempting to become the first nation to win three consecutive major tournaments, following its Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup victory. It could also become the first team to successfully defend its European title.
It's no wonder then that Prandelli modeled his squad after Spain when he replaced Marcello Lippi following an embarrassing first-round exit by the Azzurri from the 2010 World Cup.
Italy, too, now has its version of the Spanish passing game, with midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo leading the way.
''While we've won four World Cups, we reached a point where we had to have the humility and strength to change,'' Buffon said. ''(Prandelli) did great to point us in the right direction, and to change - otherwise it would have been difficult.''
Facing a squad known for dominating ball possession, Italy faces a challenge to control the pace as it did against Germany.
''Our goal is to close spaces in the middle and to get the ball back,'' Prandelli said, refusing to join the chorus of critics who have called Spain boring at this tournament.
''It's not boring,'' Prandelli said. ''People are just worried about always seeing the same result. Over the last several years they've always won, but that's in no way boring.''
Italy forward Antonio Cassano is set to play despite a minor right knee problem, and right back Ignazio Abate is available again after sitting out the game against Germany with a muscle problem in his left leg. Fullback Christian Maggio returns from suspension.
Still, with only three days between the semifinal and the final, Prandelli will again resort to presenting his tactics to the squad on video.
''That's the way we prepared the match against Germany, because we didn't have the strength to do it on the pitch,'' Prandelli said. ''The other night we got back at 3 a.m. and we've got to play again tomorrow. We need to rest, so we prefer to work with video.''
