The Azzurri booked their place in next summer's finals on Saturday as Christian Panucci's last-minute header gave them a 2-1 victory over Scotland.Donadoni feels that Italy will be among the favourites but accepts that it will be just as difficult to lift the trophy as it was in Germany last year.
"The group is really strong, mentally as well as technically," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"That's why I think we will be contenders. It will be hard because, with the exception of Brazil and Argentina, it will be like a World Cup.
"It is difficult also to face strong sides right from the start but we can arrive at the end. We will go there to win."
Donadoni admits the performance against Scotland gave him the feeling that he had moulded a team that could be very special.
"Now, after more than a year, I feel the group is a little more mine," said Donadoni, who took charge after Marcello Lippi had guided Italy to World Cup glory.
"I don't get big-headed after winning in Scotland but I am satisfied.
"This is the national team I wanted and that I've built with patience and coherence."
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