Despite their rich history, Italy are one of the few top-ranked nations who are not entirely recognised for their footballing beauty on the pitch.

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Indeed, many fans see the Azzurri as a team able to conjure up a result without playing attractive football in the process.

The Italians certainly showcased that part of their game in Germany 2006, when they claimed their fourth World Cup title after beating France in a penalty shoot-out.

After a shaky start during the group stages, the Azzurri chemistry improved rapidly when it mattered the most.

A tight victory over Australia in the round of 16 laid the platform for Italy’s success, as they clinically disposed of Ukraine 3-0 and hosts Germany 2-0 during extra time en route to their final victory over Les Bleus.

Whilst Marcello Lippi’s men have assured themselves of a place in South Africa 2010 with games to spare, lean results against quality opposition have raised doubts about Italy’s ability to defend their 2006 crown.

They were hardly convincing during the Euro Championships last year, whilst their performance against Brazil in the latest edition of the Confederations Cup left a lot to be desired.

Regardless of the lack of international success these past four years, Italy have never characterised themselves as a team that change the way they play football.

Their structure is heavily based around their world-class defence, which has served as the foundation for the Azzurri’s four World Cup victories, and will no doubt serve as the platform for next year’s assault.

The lack of personnel changes since their 2006 triumph is also likely to work in Italy's favour.

Once again led by Ballon D'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, they will make do with big guns Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Grossi, Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele De Rossi, Mauro Camoranesi, Andrea Pirlo, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alberto Gilardino in the 23-man squad for South Africa.

Other key figures such as Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti have fallen out of favour somewhat with the international side, whilst forward Luca Toni is currently experiencing a bad run of form with German giants Bayern Munich.

Coach Lippi has made it clear, however, that if the players mentioned can rediscover some good form in the next few months, then they will be considered for a return to the national team.

Despite the apparent lack of strike weapons up front, Italy have proved throughout history that they have all bases covered when it comes to performing on football’s biggest stage.

Although the Azzurri may not feature players who possess the explosive velocity of Cristiano Ronaldo or the dribbling skills of Lionel Messi, they do possess figures who have been there and done it all before. And this will undoubtedly play into Italy’s hands come World Cup time.

Despite facing constant criticism for the repetitive nature with which his team play the world game, Lippi knows he controls a side that can be rotated, yet still perform to the level required to achieve a result.

Indeed, the only thing possibly derailing Italy’s bid for a record-equalling World Cup crown are their own fans.

The Azzurri’s latest qualifying victory was met with disdain across Italy, with criticism mainly directed at the head coach himself.

Lippi has since pleaded with Italian fans to show more support for their national team, especially after securing World Cup qualification fairly comfortably.

No doubt if the whole of Italy can get on board the Azzurri bandwagon, then the side can build on a proven record of achieving success in world football’s greatest showpiece.

And if they do get beyond the group stages next year, the scent of a fifth World Cup triumph may just be enough for Lippi's men to get the job done once again.