U21 Euro 2007: 2 Days to go...

Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi held a final press conference on Italian soil before flying to their base in the Netherlands for the UEFA European Under-21 Championships.

Casiraghi analysed the Azzurrini's opening Group B opponents Serbia saying, "It is crucial not to fail in the first game."

The Azzurrini have won five of the last eight editions of this tournament and are among the favourites for victory this year. "I don’t know if we are favourites or not, but it will be crucial not to fail in the first game on Monday," said the tactician in Coverciano.

"In prestigious competitions there are no easy matches, so it all depends on us. The group I have at my disposal has great quality and the general fitness levels are good, even if there are a few problems."

There are above all issues in defence, where Genoa’s Domenico Criscito is struggling and captain Alessandro Potenza has had to pull out completely with a thigh strain. The midfield also has a few concerns, as Andrea Lazzari and Alberto Aquilani are not 100 per cent fit.

These could become important problems when facing a group phase that has three games in six days against Serbia, England and the Czech Republic.

"We have the right enthusiasm, but are aware that only what happens on the field will count, not what the bookmakers say," continued Casiraghi.

"The debut on Monday holds some hidden dangers, because you never know what to expect from these opponents. They can play the game of their lives or have an off day.

"We certainly have players of great quality, but it remains to be seen how they will react to playing three games in the space of six days after a long season in which many of them were key figures for their clubs."

Team consultant Gianfranco Zola ended the final training session this morning before the flight by practising free kicks with Riccardo Montolivo, Alessandro Rosina and Giuseppe Rossi.

Italy begin their campaign against Serbia on Monday in Nijmegen, then take on England on June 14 and close Group B with the Czech Republic on June 17, with both these matches in Arnhem.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]