Berettini's belief in improving Italy

By Andrew Haslam in Nottwil

All four sides in UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals Group A feel that there is room for improvement as they prepare for the second round of matches on Thursday evening.

Opening draws
Both games in the section finished level in the opening round of matches, hosts Switzerland battling back to earn a 1-1 draw with holders Italy while the game between Belgium and Ukraine ended goalless. The Italians now face Ukraine in Kriens, while Belgium meet Switzerland.

Italian improvement
Italy coach Paolo Berettini, while hailing the result against the Swiss as "an important point", believes there is more to come from his side. "Switzerland prepared thoroughly and adopted some good tactics which caused us problems," he told uefa.com. "We were in the same situation last year as we played these finals at the end of the season again but we got better in every match we played."

'Emotionally prepared'
Berettini added: "The first game was quite difficult for us as it is the first time these players had appeared in a European Championship finals, but in the second they should do better as they are better prepared emotionally. All three teams in this group are very strong so there's no room for experimentation, but perhaps I will rest one or two players in order to make sure they are fresh for the third game."

Defensive strength
Ukraine coach Pavlo Yakovenko is conscious of the task that awaits his side. "We played Italy at Under-16 level, but of course we recognise that their side has grown a lot stronger in the last three years," he told uefa.com. "They are very organised, and of course you can never imagine an Italian side without a very strong defence.

Individual skills
"In this group, and indeed, this tournament, it is very even," the Ukraine coach went on. "These are the eight finest teams in Europe and the decisive factor will be individual skills in attacking areas. It must be our secret where we will look to improve."

Swiss frustration
Switzerland coach Pierre-André Schürmann, meanwhile, admitted he was not completely happy with his side's performance against Italy, saying: "We're not disappointed - more frustrated - but the chapter is now closed, and we concentrate on Belgium. The public [6,100 spectators] was great with its support, they saw a team that wants to go forward and shows commitment."

Captain's call
Two of Schürmann's players believe the way forward is clear. "We allowed the Italians one real chance and they took it; it was a silly goal to give away," said captain Sandro Burki. "But after the break we showed tremendous morale, we deserved the draw and we were closer to winning."

Second-half surge
Goalscorer Veroljub Salatic was in full agreement with his captain, adding: "We've got one point like the other teams, so it looks good. We now have to continue our second-half form against Belgium."

'Use of space'
Belgium coach Marc Van Geersom, meanwhile, believes his side must be more effective in attack to earn tangible reward. "We can definitely improve our use of space in forward areas," he said. "Against the Swiss, we must concentrate hard and attack in a more intelligent fashion. We played this Switzerland side at U18 level and I have to say they made a big impression on me but my team is much stronger now. The group is still very open and we now begin again."