[D-Kin]

Van Basten tees up Italy test Saturday 7 June, 2008

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Marco Van Basten puts emotions aside when his Holland face former Milan teammate – and golf partner – Roberto Donadoni’s Italy.

“We have some contact every now and then,” the Dutchman told uefa.com ahead of Monday’s Group C clash.

They were colleagues in the Grande Milan run by Arrigo Sacchi in the late 1980s and early 90s, sharing the field with other stars turned tacticians like Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Rijkaard.

“We played football together, but also played a lot of golf together, and he really is a true sportsman and also a real winner.

“He did not accept the easiest job by taking over the Italy team as reigning world champions, but he took on the challenge and has done it very well so far – and I think he is a good Coach for this team in the position Italy are in right now.”

Donadoni has the pressure on his shoulders to live up to Marcello Lippi’s 2006 World Cup winning squad.

“Italy are a good footballing side. They are the world champions for a good reason,” continued Van Basten.

“They have made few changes from two years ago, so we can expect a very tough match, as they are a strong team, who play good football and have a lot of experience. It is going to be a huge challenge.”

Group C has been called the Group of Death after pitting together Italy, Holland, France and Romania, so there is no room for slip-ups.

“The advantage is that from the start you are straight into the tournament, from the first moment you realise it is super important.

“We only play three matches in the group, and one is against the world champions and one against the world's second's best team, so you have to have focus from the start or you will immediately get knocked out.”

The Azzurri may be dealing with injury woes for Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Panucci, but the Dutch camp is also struggling.

Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder were major doubts to feature, but the fact they played with the squad in training today suggests they’ll be at least fit for the bench.

Wigan’s Mario Melchiot skipped the session due to an inflamed pelvis, but is expected to recover before Monday’s game.

channel4.com - Football Italia