Italy legend Dino Zoff says he was always confident Cesare Prandelli would change the nation's fortunes around.
Italy has booked their place at Euro 2012 after dominating their qualification group.
"Prandelli has done an excellent job," Zoff, who bossed Italy at Euro 2000, told Radio Sportiva on Wednesday.
"However, it was hard to believe that the side wouldn't pick themselves up after their horrible World Cup.
"It's true that there are a lot of foreigners playing over here, but the Italian championship always offers good solutions."