Coach Giovanni Trapattoni cannot wait for the Azzurri to begin their European adventure. The Italians, runners-up to France at Euro 2000 and as always, among the favourites because of their mean defence, get their title challenge underway against Denmark in less than a week.
"I wouldn't say that I would like to play tomorrow in our first game against Denmark, but almost," Trapattoni said.
"My only concern is to maintain the same condition that we have right now until June 14 when we make our debut in the European Championships. Maybe, before we face Denmark, we will have a game against a Portuguese youth team.
"I can only say that I am optimistic and that we travel to Portugal to arrive at the highest level whether it's first, second, third or fourth."
Filed by Shane Murray
