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Group C and one of the favorites of the championship, the Italian national team, will play against the Danish team at the Alfonso Henriques Stadium at 19:00. The teams with different football styles will try to start the championship by earning three points as best as possible.
These national teams have never played equal matches against each other - both teams won three times each, but if we count friendly matches as well, the Italians won seven times out of the last ten played.
The coach of the Italian national team, Giovanni Trapattoni, has already announced his starting lineup - the only striker will be Vieri. However, this by no means means that the Italians will demonstrate a classic defensive style of play, which is often attributed to their playing style. According to the 4-2-3-1 system, Del Piero will support Vieri on the left, Totti in the center, and Camoranesi on the right.
This system was successful for the Italians in the qualifiers, but many criticize the coach for his player selections, leaving great seasons for players like Fiore and young striker Cassano on the bench. Instead, players who have been shadows of themselves this year, like Del Piero and Camoranesi, are playing. Trapattoni also ignores Italy's champions Milan's defenders Pirlo and Gattuso, but explains his choice by the fact that C. Zanetti and Perrotta play well together. Panucci and Zambrotta will play on the edges of the defensive line, with Nesta and Cannavaro in the center. Of course, Buffon will be in goal.
Meanwhile, although the Danish national team does not have as many stars, they are capable of causing a surprise. However, according to coach Morten Olsen, his players must play excellently from the first minute. When asked about the advantages of the Danes, according to Olsen, hard work and teamwork can help them. However, two players will not be able to help their team today - Gronkjaer has not yet arrived in Portugal due to his mother's death, and Gravesen is suspended.
It is believed that Olsen will use the same tactics as the Italians - in the attack, Sand should be the spearhead, alongside him Tomasson, and from the sides, Rommedahl and Jorgensen will attack. D. Jensen and Poulsen will occupy the defensive midfield positions, with N. Jensen, Henriksen, Laursen, and Helveg at the back, and Sorensen guarding the goal.
Possible starting lineups:
Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro, Panucci; Perrotta, Zanetti; Del Piero, Camoranesi, Totti; Vieri.
Denmark: Sorensen; N. Jensen, Henriksen, Laursen, Helveg; D. Jensen, Poulsen, Rommedahl; Jorgensen, Tomasson; Sand.
