For the first time since the Ivan Basso heydays, one of the major favourites for this year's Tour de France is Italian as Vinceno Nibali has been marked out as one of the most dangerous rivals for defending champion Chris Froome. Italian national coach Paolo Bettini is convinced that his protégé has the abilities to beat the Brit and win the biggest race in the world.

When Ivan Basso was handed a two-year ban, Italy lost their only genuine Tour de France contender and since then the big cycling nation has struggled to make an impact on the world's biggest bike race. While they have continued to dominate their home race, the Giro d'Italia, the Italians only managed to place three riders in the top 10 of the French grand tour from 2006 to 2011, with Damiano Cunego's 6th place in 2011 being the highlight.

With the emergence of Vincenzo Nibali, times have finally changed for Italy. The Astana has already shown that he has what it takes to win a grand tour. With wins in the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d'Italia already in his pocket, he has set his sights on the Tour where he finished 3rd in 2012.

His dominant showing in this year's Giro has left many wondering whether Nibali will actually be able to beat Chris Froome who appeared to be at ease during his Tour-winning ride in 2013. In fact, Nibali was the only rider to beat Froome in a stage race where the Brit was going full out for the win when the Astana leader beat the Sky captain into 2nd in the Tirreno-Adriatico.

Nibali can head to France with plenty of confidence as he has plenty of backing from his home nation. Speaking at the Giro d'Onore ceremony in Rome, national coach Paolo Bettini has made it clear that he thinks that his compatriot can win the Tour.

"Nibali will start the Tour as one of the big favourites," he said, adding that "none of his opponents are unbeatable."

"A three-week race is always difficult but Nibali has already shown that he can win both the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta," he added. ""[Nibali has already put] one foot on the podium of the Tour de France. From there he just needs to go up another two steps and he is there."

President of the Italian cycling federation, Renato di Rocco, shared the assessment.

"He has the characteristics of a complete rider and has a strong head," he said. "I hope that Vincenzo will win the Tour de France but it is always difficult to start with a fixed target.

"I know that Nibali rides from the beginning to the end of the season and he is different from those who have won the Tour in the past few years."

Nibali will start his season in the Tour de San Luis in January and will target Milan-Sanremo and the Ardennes classics as he builds his condition for the major target of the year.