Capital: Rome
Population: 57.2 million
Currency: Euro
Official Language: Italian
Borders: Switerland (North), Austria (North), Slovenia (East), France (West)
GNP per Capita: $20,170 (19th in world)
Main Airport: Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) - Rome

The Italian peninsula stretches nearly 500 miles from the heart of the Alps into the Mediterranean Sea.  The south is prone to earthquakes and volcanoes - some such as Mount Etna can be devastating.  As a country it has not been too far away from scandal in the past.  The country was rules as a fascist dictatorship from 1922 to 1945. 

For details on accommodation options in Italy, especially in Rome and some general travel tips click here.

To get an idea who plays where in Italy, go to Footiemap.com and have a look at their excellent Italian football map page.