Azzurri summon up spirit of 2006

In the absence of their inspirational leader Fabio Cannavaro, midfielder Daniele De Rossi has called upon his Azzurri team-mates to show the spirit of 2006 as Italy aim to add the UEFA European Championship to the world crown they won two years ago.

Camaraderie
The loss of Cannavaro, who ruptured ankle ligaments in a training-ground collision with Giorgio Chiellini on Monday, has dealt a savage blow to Italy's defensive options. A back four already denied the expertise of AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta, who has retired from the international game, must now make do without their FIFA World Cup-winning captain and 2006 World Player of the Year. Nonetheless, by reviving the camaraderie of their German adventure, Italy can triumph again – as De Rossi told euro2008.com.

'Togetherness'
"What we need is to show great togetherness as a squad," said De Rossi, fresh from winning a team-building game of foot-tennis with Mauro Camoranesi and Massimo Ambrosini. "We need to do well from a playing point of view but we also need to show individual character and conviction. That's what it was like at the World Cup. Aside from Cannavaro, who is a colossus, the squad of 23 played a huge part in that success."

Painful experience
De Rossi knows all too well how important it is to contribute as a non-playing member of the squad. At the FIFA World Cup, the AS Roma midfielder was sent off for violent conduct in Italy's third game against the United States, and banned for four matches. The 24-year-old was forced to watch on from the sidelines as the Azzurri made it all the way to the final, before finding redemption as a substitute in that game by taking one of the successful penalties in the deciding shoot-out.

'True leader'
Although there will be no such comeback from Cannavaro, who has been replaced in Roberto Donadoni's 23 by Alessandro Gamberini, the Real Madrid CF defender has decided to stay on with the squad to lend his support to the national cause. "We'll certainly notice [Cannavaro's influence] as the tournament goes on," added De Rossi. "In moments of difficulty he is a true leader and so it will be great to have him around. It will also be good for him; it will help the start of his rehabilitation."

Future captain
On the pitch, De Rossi will be one of the players the Azzurri will be looking to drive them on. He has already earned the nickname 'Future Captain' by Giallorossi fans, who see the born-and-bred Roman as the heir apparent to Francesco Totti at the Stadio Olimpico. His dynamic playing style and forceful ball-winning will go a long way to helping Italy overcome their first opponents, the Netherlands. As world champions, Donadoni's side go into the match as favourites but De Rossi insists they will not be taking the Oranje for granted on 9 June.

'Strong emotions'
"I really don't think that we will underestimate the Dutch," he said. "It's our first match in the European championship and to underestimate them would be a grave mistake. I'm sure that won't happen. The first match always stirs up very strong emotions anyway and so to have to play a strong side like the Netherlands first up, will be something of an unknown. But this Italy side is used to playing in important matches, and in very emotional matches and I think we'll do well."