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In the past year Wales have beaten Germany and Finland and drawn with Argentina, Croatia and the Czech Republic. Now Bellamy is confident that in front of a packed Millennium Stadium Italy will be the next to fall.
"There is a buzz about Welsh football. There is a confidence there that has been missing in the past and expectations from the players and fans are both high," he told the Journal.
"We feel we have an excellent chance of making the European Championships.
"We have played against some very good sides over the past 12 months and we have matched them. I don't think anyone looks at us as being an easy option anymore and Italy will be no different.
"It is a massive game for both teams. We are playing the best team in the group and it will be a great experience for me, and the rest of the lads.
"I think the expectations are justifiably high after winning 2-0 in Finland in our first qualifying match," concluded Bellamy.
Gary Speed will win his 70th cap when he leads the team out in Cardiff and is on target to become Wales’ most capped outfield player. If Speed can add that feat to his record number of Premiership appearances it will cap a great career for the midfielder who, during his time at Newcastle, has rarely been unfit or out of form.
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The Italians were held 1-1 by Yugoslavia in Naples on Saturday, with our old mate Del Piero grabbing their goal, and are in the midst of an injury crisis. Smoggy Massimo Maccarone has been called into the squad to replace Filippo Inzaghi and the Italians are also without Vieri, Totti, Zambrotta, Pessotto and Toldo.
Things are looking good for Wales so we should all be getting behind Bellamy and Speed on Wednesday night, although supporting Wales will be a new experience for many of you.
If Del Piero could just pick up a knock that would keep him out for seven to ten days as well, then that would be perfect.