Italian recipe right for Romão

By Tim Dykes in Düsseldorf

Portugal coach José Romão is planning to adopt Italian-style tactics when his side take on the Azzurrini in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-final on Saturday.

Coach optimistic
A stunning 2-1 victory against host-nation Germany propelled the Portuguese into the Bochum semi-final and the coach hopes his side can go one better by defeating the tournament favourites. "Italy are a great team, but not perfect," he said. "Every team has its weaker points and Italy are the same. They are beatable.

Three suspended
Although FC Porto's Ricardo Costa returns from a disciplinary ban, Romão will be without three key players in the Ruhrstadion. Pedro Oliveira, Lourenço and Carlos Martins all picked up their second yellow card of the tournament against Germany and will be suspended. "We've got fewer options because of that," explained Romão. "But that doesn't mean we have no chance of winning the game.

'Defensively strong'
"We'll try to play a different way, like Italy normally play, and be defensively strong. We have to make optimum use of all the other players." With that in mind, the tournament's joint-top goalscorer Hugo Almeida could play a lone striking role as the Portuguese look to strengthen a defence that has shipped six goals in three games.

Friendly irrelevant
The sides met at the end of March in a friendly, which Italy won 3-1, but neither coach is dwelling on the encounter. "We're not thinking about the friendly, just the semi-final and our route to the Olympic Games," added Romão, whose opposite number Claudio Gentile said: "That game should be remembered and forgotten quickly since it could be tricky for us tomorrow.

Gilardino back
"We have some few days to rest and I think we are physically ready," added Gentile, who will be without the suspended Simone Del Nero but is set to welcome Parma AC striker Alberto Gilardino back to the fold. "The players know that a wrong approach to the match could result in bad surprises.

'Improving constantly'
"They know that they have to keep the ball and we'll play the way we know how. We are improving constantly and all I want is for the team to play with the same spirit, determination and confidence that I've seen up until now.

Control key
"We will go on to the field looking to control the game. Portugal are a good team with technically gifted players and an important football tradition. They are a team that likes to put moves together and has excellent individual talents. I am convinced that it will be a good match."