Dino Zoff's men are chasing their third straight win in the group tonight when they face Sweden after becoming the first side to qualify for the next stage.

After their clubs performed badly in Europe last season, Italian football looked on the wane.

But there is an air of optimism among the country's fanatical football fans following successive victories against Turkey and Belgium in the Low Countries.

"We are on the right path," said Cannavaro. "We wanted to qualify without too much stress and we've done that.

"Something clicked at the start of the tournament and we are all confident of doing well."

Cannavaro has been widely praised for his contribution, but shrugged off the personal plaudits.

Instead he applauded his team-mates, adding: "We all feel good. I think we can go on and do very well."

The mood in the Swedish camp could not be more different as they look on their way out of the competition.

They arrived here quietly confident of doing well after heading England's qualifying group.

Instead they stumbled badly losing to Belgium in their opening game and only managing a goalless draw against Turkey.

The football federation though it would be a good idea after qualifying for coaches Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback to assume joint responsibility.

The announcement was greeted with astonishment in Sweden. After all Soderberg was the guy in charge while Lagerback was his trusty assistant.

It's a move that appears to have backfired. Even victory tonight may not be enough to reach the last eight if Belgium succeed against Turkey.

Celtic's Henrik Larsson is again expected to play a key role after he returned to the starting line-up against Turkey and looked bright and lively.

Considering he suffered a horrific broken leg late last year, his rehabilitation has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Sweden, however, may have to go into the game against Italy without Kennet Andersson and Roland Nilsson, who are both carrying knocks.