Few days ago, Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes Italy are ‘terrified’ of facing the Oranje in their
opening Group C game at Euro 2008 on Monday. The reasoning is that the differences between these sides are really small, and that many duels are decided on minor details, sometimes even only with a lot of luck.

‘You see that in the Champions League too. I think the top countries are very close. Everyone is tactical, technical and physically strong. We are one of the better teams, so we do have a chance.’

Meanwhile, Andrea Pirlo believes the current Italian squad is stronger in the head than during the 2006 World Cup Winning team. The instrumental Milan midfielder, who has been blowing hot and cold with his form, is adament that Italy will win this edition of European Championship.

‘Compared with two years ago we are stronger in the head and have a great awareness of our capabilities. Italy have not won the Euros for exactly 40 years, it is a great stimulus. It would be beautiful to take this title home after so much time," Pirlo said.

On the effect of Cannavaro’s absence, he added "We have good alternatives so we are here to do the double like the great German side of the 1970s or France, who first won the 1998 World Cup and then Euro 2000."

With his trademark freekicks and ability to pick out a team mate from 60 metres, Pirlo is among the most talented midfielders at the finals. And this time around, with Francesco Totti retired from international football, he will be burdened with the role to provide the necessary spark or moment of brilliance that can win a game for the Azzurri.

On media reports that he is being courted by Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona, he said ‘Personally I have not talked with anyone but my agent has received offers from Spain and Italy and that makes me happy. But at Milan I have everything I want."

After Fabio Cannavaro’s limped out of the Euro 2008 squad, another veteran Christian Panucci limped out of training on Friday after suffering what looked to be a right knee injury.

Panucci was expected to play at right back against the Dutch. He received treatment on the sidelines for some minutes before gingerly walking back to the dressing room. This is not the best of preparation for the Azzurri, who is in the group of Death consisting Holland, France and Romania.

If Panucci is unable to recover in time for the Dutch game, Gianluca Zambrotta may have to start at right back, with Fabio Grosso or Giorgio Chellini on the left.