Star Academy to provide the Italian entrant in 2012?

Last year the hope that Italy would come back to Eurovision took fire when it was announced the winner of X Factor would "go to a big international contest". Well, we know now it didn't quite happen that way, even if Nathalie did get to Sanremo where eventually the entrant was chosen giving us Raphael Gualazzi's Madness of love and very surprising 2nd place for Italy in Germany. Some comeback, ha?

Now the rules for Star Academy have been revealed. Seems pretty much the same as it has been in France, me thinks. Sixteen hopefuls will be selected and though various eliminations where they sing alone, in groups, duets and with famous artists the winner will be found. And here's where it gets interesting. The rules say: "The winner will get besides a record deal and a possibility to participate in an important music contest on Rai." Usually Sanremo is mentioned by its name, being an institution so what other important music contests RAI is broadcasting? Eurovision...