[D-Kin]

2008: FIGC don't fear France Monday 3 December, 2007

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It may be the Group of Death, but FIGC President Giancarlo Abete is confident Italy can progress in Euro 2008.

The Azzurri are in Group C along with Holland, France and Romania, but only the top two can go through.

“It is a tough group, but I think it is well within our capabilities,” assured Federation chief Abete.

“Holland are an excellent squad and the representative of a country that has always had great football talent, but in recent years their results have not been exceptional.

“Let us not forget that they only qualified behind Romania for this tournament.”

The Dutch were seeds in the draw in Lucerne on Sunday morning, even though they finished four points behind Romania in qualifying.

Italy are also facing a side they are familiar with, as they topped Group B ahead of France to reach the competition.

“They are an important side, but I would like to remind everyone we won our group with a three-point advantage over France,” added Abate.

“It seems like a group that is well within our capabilities.”

channel4.com - Football Italia