just like in NFL when a team gets hot, they hot. They can make opponents look like 2nd stringers.
There is a psychological aspect building now too. Opponents KNOW just how strong they are and will second guess their ability ( look at weakest link etc ) to keep up. Puts Italy in a really good position. They can attack or sit back and counter.
Will be interesting to see how they fare as we get into Round of 16 and Quarters as those teams will be stronger and able to match them well from a skills standpoint.
But as of now, they clearly have all the momentum.