“When you wear the Azzurri shirt, no game is a friendly”

Italy defender Christian Panucci believes his side can win the European Championship.The stopper also
is looking forward to the friendly against Belgium and he admits his side must treat it as a serious game.

It will be the last chance for the Azzurri to polish up and add those final finishing touches before heading out to Austria and Switzerland next week. Panucci is confident in his side’s abilities and he is hoping La Nazionale begin in the right way starting from the friendly against Belgium. “When you wear the Azzurri shirt, no game is a friendly,” said Panucci.

“Of course, the result will not be important but it is the last game before the Euro’s so we have to play a serious and concrete match where we will try to win.

“We are a strong group and we believe in our abilities. We are the world champions and we have to go their with the intention of becoming European champions also.

“We are considered amongst the favourites and we will try and reach the final. The game against Holland will be very important and it vital to begin on the right foot, especially in these competitions.”

The Azzurri get their tournament under way with an opening group C fixture against Holland on June 9th, followed by Romania on June 13th and then France on the 17th.

source; Salvatore Landolina