Italians and Dutch hampered by injuries
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-08 11:23

BERNE - Italy and Netherlands will be relieved to play for real on Monday after a string of injuries in training upset their Euro 2008 preparations.

Dutch winger Arjen Robben will miss their Group C opener against the world champions in Berne because of a groin problem while Ryan Babel is out of the tournament and forward Robin van Persie is struggling for general fitness.

Italy have been almost as unlucky with captain Fabio Cannavaro out of the finals after tearing ankle ligaments last week and fellow defender Christian Panucci suffering a knee injury.

However, Panucci, who was not in the squad for the World Cup triumph two years ago, thought he could recover in time.

"I really don't want to miss the first game. I think I'll manage to be available and I will do everything to be there," the 35-year-old told reporters.

Even without the injuries, Italy's starting lineup is far from clear after coach Roberto Donadoni experimented in the 3-1 win over Belgium last month, his only friendly in the fortnight leading up to the tournament.

He has given no real hints but Andrea Barzagli and Marco Materazzi look likely to play centre back while Daniele De Rossi could get the nod in midfield ahead of Massimo Ambrosini.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is expected to be named captain in Cannavaro's absence, especially with striker Alessandro Del Piero poised to start on the bench if Donadoni sticks with his favoured three-pronged attack.

ALL CLEAR

Dutch coach Marco van Basten has plenty of thinking to do after Robben's injury in Saturday's training.

Babel, who could have filled in for Robben, never made it to Austria and Switzerland due to an ankle problem but midfielder Wesley Sneijder has got the all clear after an ankle knock.

Striker Van Persie, who had an injury-plagued season for Arsenal, is a big doubt having trained alone for two weeks before joining the squad sessions on Wednesday.

Right back Mario Melchiot, who previously had a groin complaint, also has a pelvic problem but could be available.

With or without Melchiot, Panucci said the Dutch defence could be their weakness.

"Netherlands are a very strong team with good ball possession and top level forwards. Maybe they concede a bit at the back and we must be brave to take advantage of it," he said.

Defeat for either side would be a serious blow given that France and Romania are also in a tough Group C.