High-flying Danes to test holders

Without the distraction of an impending FIFA World Cup date, and with a coach in Flemming Serritslev who is confident in his redoubtable defenders and goal-hungry forwards, Denmark can present a strong challenge to Italy when UEFA European Championship Group B gets under way in Aveiro on Tuesday.

Confident mood
Following the senior team's failure to book a ticket to Germany this summer, Serritslev is able to pick his strongest squad and is not slow to sing their praises ahead of their meeting with the holders. "The mood in the camp is very good and I feel confident going into the Italy game. Our preparations have been very organised and all the players are in good spirit." Eleven victories and 34 goals in 14 qualifying ties are reason enough for that.

'Going for the win'
The Danes missed out on qualification for the 2004 edition of these finals after losing on away goals to Italy in a play-off. Having got this far, Serritslev is anxious to make the opportunity count. "Previous experience of these tournaments tells you it is going to be a tight start with neither side wanting to begin with a defeat, but we are a positive team who have been together a long time and we will be going for the win."

Strong performers
The Danes' striking threat may come from Nicklas Bendtner, with Morten 'Duncan' Rasmussen having struggled with injury pre-tournament, as Serritslev deploys a 4-3-3 formation. He is upbeat about both his attacking and his defensive options. "We know exactly what to expect from Italy – they are strong, direct and tough to break down, but we scored a lot of goals in qualifying and have players like Rasmussen and Bendtner who are capable of scoring from any situation. We have also had a strong defence throughout my time with centre-halves Daniel Agger and Leon Andreasen providing a strong base."

Late change
Midfielder Niki Zimling is the only fitness doubt. No such luck for Italy coach Claudio Gentile who, on the eve of the match, had to replace injured midfielder Alberto Aquilani of AS Roma with Reggina Calcio's Davide Biondini. "I hoped to have Alberto back for our other games but he told me that he honestly didn't feel he could play, so I preferred to drop him and call up Biondini." Paolo Sammarco is Aquilani's likely deputy in the starting lineup.

Extra incentive
Despite that setback, Gentile is eager to defend the crown won against Serbia and Montenegro in Germany two years ago, particularly at a time when Italian football finds itself at a low ebb. "We feel we have to do well, not only because we won the last edition, but also because of what is happening in Italy right now. We are the champions and are rated as favourites, but that should stimulate us to do even better. We have to give a positive image of our football." A sixth U21 title would do nicely.