Van Persie fit enough to duel against Italy

Robin van Persie can participate today in the first Dutch duel during the European Championships against world champion Italy. Coach Marco van Basten said Sunday in Bern that the attacker fit. Whether Van Persie from the outset, the Wankdorf Stadium in Berne, is uncertain.

Arjen Robben, who Saturday during training with a shot on goal a lieskwetsuur problems, is seven to ten days not employable. Only when the Netherlands takes second round, he is likely to be back in use.

Netherlands - Italy is also the meeting between Van Basten and colleague Roberto Donadoni, former team mates at AC Milan and friends. "We have also sometimes been on holiday with each other and we golfden much together," says Van Basten. "Roberto is a fighter with a strong character, who does everything to win. If his team plays as if he will be hard for us. "

Donadoni gave to a question whether Italy should also play a significant response. 'No, that's not necessarily our ambition. I expect only that the players give everything what they have. "

Donadoni also told about his friendship with Van Basten. "We speak together another two or three times a year." Both are influenced by their former coach Sacchi.

They were also not typical future trainers during their careers. At Van Basten, stopped prematurely by an ankle, it took about ten years before he accepted a job as a trainer.

And Donadoni: "I had never thought to be coach. During my career as a footballer I never thought so after about the future. "

Both are as trainer also influenced by their former coach Sacchi. "For us Sacchi is important," said Donadoni. "It would be strange to not admit to." He says it can live with the criticism that settled on him neerdaalt. "Since I do not think too much about it. It eats different energy. "

That Netherlands since the World Cup of 1978 no longer beat Italy, he says not much. "It would be superficial if we think we can beat Netherlands on the basis of statistics."

Fabio Cannavaro may by UEFA from a folding seat next to the Italian bank duel. The injured defender remains as 24th man in the selection.