| As the EURO 2008 approaches all 16 teams | | | | but we know the Italians have only captured |
| which will participate in the international | | | | one EURO Cup title back in 1968. It is true |
| competition get set and ready to play their | | | | that Italy is the favourite to win this |
| group rivals. Of the four groups the Italians | | | | tournament due to reasons such as their |
| have been selected along with Romania, the | | | | strong game and their excellent level of |
| Netherlands and World Cup runner up bitter | | | | players. But there is still a question left |
| France. | | | | unanswered regarding the current 44 year-old |
| | | | Italian Coach Roberto Donadoni who has been |
| Les Blues' will be indeed one of the | | | | with the Italians for a relatively short |
| strongest rivals to defeat as after the 2006 | | | | period. |
| World Cup the French Coach Raymond Domenech | | | | |
| began to shift this direction and new talent | | | | Donadoni who previously replaced Marcello |
| was added to the team to replace the empty | | | | Lippi has a contract which expires at the end |
| spot left by the ex galactico Zidane. | | | | of the EURO 2008; but he has been offered an |
| Domenech has called to training a total of 29 | | | | extension in order to secure his place with |
| players from which he will decide the 23 that | | | | the team. Until now Donadoni has not accepted |
| will participate at the EURO 2008. | | | | the agreement and stated "To me the current |
| | | | situation does not represent a problem." "I |
| "You can't say there won't be problems, won't | | | | am going into it (Euro 2008) with great |
| be any injuries," Domenech told RTL radio | | | | enthusiasm." |
| station on Wednesday. "We have to think | | | | |
| ahead. Everyone has to stay vigilant and | | | | Previous to Donadoni's announcement of his 23 |
| ready. I envisage all the possibilities." | | | | players Italy will participate in the last |
| | | | friendly game versus Belgium at the Artemio |
| On June 9 France will meet Romania in the | | | | Franchi Stadium in Florence next May 25th. |
| opening round game; this will certainly be a | | | | It is believed players such as: Pippo |
| very interesting game as Romania Coach Victor | | | | Inzaghi, Alex Del Piero and Antonio Cassano |
| Piturca has also began his preparations for | | | | will be part of the roster. |
| the European championship which include 14 | | | | |
| players from the local league besides Inter | | | | Nevertheless; the Italians' face a very big |
| Milan captain Cristian Chivu and VfB | | | | task ahead of them but the team has one of |
| Stuttgart striker Ciprian Marica who Piturca | | | | the best chances to make this dream come true |
| hopes would be able to play as he is still | | | | for many around the world; as well as for |
| recovering from an injury. | | | | their countrymen at home land where the sport |
| | | | of football was horrendously hit by a wave of |
| On the other hand, we have the current World | | | | match-fixing scandals and some of the most |
| Champions the Azzurri whose football has been | | | | recognized teams were moved down to the Serie |
| very steady and has delivered many triumphs; | | | | B and their points removed. |