C1: Netherlands 3 - 0 Italy - 09/06/08

[Trim]

Euro 2008, Group C
Netherlands v Italy

Stadium: Stade de Suisse, Berne
Kick-off: Monday, 9 June 2008, 20.45h

[D-Kin]

Probably the best game for us to start with.

I'd rather play Holland in the opener than possible favourites France or dark horses Romania.

The Dutch are most dangerous going forward, as long as we can contain them we should be fine. Di Natale and Toni are on fire.

[Buddha14]

there defence is pretty weak imo. Like you said its there attack that is the strongest

[Jager]

Overpower them in midfield, and work the fullbacks up. However I think we are the ones who are dangerous in attack, and I think Toni is gong to run a rampage on their defense, but you just never know.

However, we do play well against Holland. Must win for us, or its gets really complicated.

[kyan]

I think Holland are being rated more on past glories than any real evidence tbh.

Against Austria in a recently friendly they were trailing 3-0, OK they won 4-3, but if they can concede 3 goals to Austria, the worst team in the Euros, what are they going to do against teams with semi-decent attacks (or defences for that matter).

In attack.... Robben, RvN and RvP are great players but all 3 have spent a lot of time injured this season, especially van Persie who I think currently has a knock again.

I think it might be worth a punt on Holland finishing last in the group, and I'd be shocked if Italy didn't win this one comfortably.

[Jager]

We must play our game and dictate play. Meaning ball posession and quick strikes up field. Sometimes I describe Italian football as "lulling the opponent asleep", then attacking in full force.

You can't give skilled teams the ball, and that is why we must hold on to it.

[dukeofdavinci]

possession possession possession !!

thats the main point.even if are in the lead one thing we must never give them.we know they have some very clinical danger men in ruud ad very formidable ball suppliers in vpersie and robben.defense need to be sharp while attacks need too get past vds.

[Trim]

I don't expect Italy to have it tough. As kyan said, they should get a comfortable win.

Holland's weakness is their defence, and I think the Italians will use it well in their advantage.

[Forza_Roma]

There won't be an easy game in these group stages. Anything can happen and Italy can not under estimate anyone in their group. They have some world class players that can make the difference...will be a tough match.

[D-Kin]

Steady, they have some decent players.

Sneijder, VDV and Robben will be dangerous.

[dukeofdavinci]

There won't be an easy game in these group stages

bingo!remember we got ourselves early ticket home last time and there is equal chance of that happening as we have chance winning the cup.

so take nothing for granted and prepare to face the worst and e the master of ou own destiny.

3 pts in the first game will be more then handful in the later games.

[Forza_Roma]

I think this squad has a much more winning personality to it then the ones prior to the WC06...But, each game will be tough and there's only 16 teams involved. I'm hoping for a Romania-France draw in the first round with an Italy win. Gives Italy some breathing room.

[z187]

this looks to be the marquee matchup of the first round of matches.

anyways, Im expecting Italy to win comfortably 2-0.

[Daniel24]

IMO the Dutch are under-rated. Even though their defense isnt all that great they have a magnificant attacking front. Many teams will suffer against the Dutch attack.. Im going to say a 1-1 Draw in this one..

[z187]

yes but van basten plays too defensive, he should let the dutch attack freely although in today's game that seems to be the worst tactic

the new tactic is crowd your midfield and play 1 stirker, thats what all the teams do these days as seen in wc 2006.

my opinion, play to your strengths. if the dutch play attacking lineup 3 forwards and they are on form they can do it.

my honest opinion, orange just arent good enough they arent ready to contend yet.