Serbia steeled to meet Italy challenge

Two old foes meet again when Serbia take on Italy in the opening round of matches in UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B on Monday and both are eager to get off to a winning start in Nijmegen.

Familiar foes
Serbia coach Miroslav Djukić and Italy counterpart Pierluigi Casiraghi were on opposing sides in the 1990 semi-finals and it was Djukić who came out on top, his Yugoslavia side progressing to the finals on away goals by virtue of a 2-2 draw in Parma after a goalless first leg. The sides are familiar opponents at this level in more recent editions of the competition as well, meeting four times in the 2004 event – including the final, with the Azzurrini running out 3-0 winners against Serbia and Montenegro in Bochum – and, although three of those matches resulted in Italian victories, Djukić is confident his side can get their first finals as an independent nation off to a positive start.

Invaluable experience
"We come here without any pressure and that lack of expectation frees us to do something really good," the Serbia coach, who has lost reserve goalkeeper Igor Stefanović to an ankle injury, told uefa.com. "I'm optimistic; this is the moment we've worked towards since the start of the season. We've improved a lot since then and now we have more strengths than weaknesses. The individual and collective quality of my players is very good and we have a big asset in their experience. No one considers us as contenders and in Serbia we have a special desire to show what we can do against the top teams. Italy are my favourites to win the tournament as collectively they're very strong, but we don't have the players to play negatively. We're an attacking team. We want to win and will try to impose our style."

'Hidden dangers'
Casiraghi also recognises the importance of the match at the Goffert Stadion, saying: "This is our most complicated match as the opening game always hides most dangers. The first game has a psychological impact that cannot be underestimated. Serbia are a great team who are at a similar level to ourselves, so we will have to be very strong with our head and feet. They are a very talented squad, technically very skilful and physical. They are similar to us; they play in a Latin style, and we tend to have more difficulties against sides who play like that. I expect a very tough, close game but we must have faith in our ability."

'Prove it'
AS Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani has recovered from a bout of flu, although Andrea Lazzari and Domenico Criscito are both doubtful with knee problems. The Azzurrini have triumphed in five of the last eight U21 finals but Casiraghi is keen to play down expectations, saying: "I know some people consider Italy and England favourites for the group but we have to focus on each match in turn and we can't think about the future or the past as it doesn't help at all. Being favourites on paper doesn't count for anything; I have some experience in situations likes this so I know that starting a competition as favourites is never a good thing. The squad has to be strong enough show its talents and qualities during the games; it has to be proved on the pitch."