The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Berne

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni insisted the world champions can win their battle for Euro 2008 survival despite a traumatic demolition by Holland in their opening match.

The Italians, who badly missed the steadying influence of injured captain Fabio Cannavaro, have been left with their backs to the wall in group C as a result of Monday night’s 3-0 defeat.

But the encounter was not without encouraging elements for Donadoni and, but for the brilliance of Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, the evening could easily have had a different complexion.

“Holland played as well as we expected them to,” Donadoni said. “We knew they were a team that could give us problems and they did.

“We made mistakes and we paid for them. Now we have to absorb the lessons and look forward.

“The next game, against Romania, is going to be crucial. We just have to forget about this defeat and move on. The game started badly for us and ended up worse but it is already history.”

Donadoni dismissed a suggestion that complacency could have contributed to his side’s downfall.

“I don’t think there was any complacency. Winning the World Cup is not a sufficient goal for us and we have been working very hard and professionally in preparing for this tournament for the last two years.

“The result was not good, obviously, and we are not happy about it but we are going to work to ensure we react to it and improve.

“I trust my boys and we carry on in the knowledge that the next game is even more important.”

The significance of Italy’s defeat was reduced by the fact that France and Romania drew their opening match 0-0. “In light of our result, we are quite happy that France and Romania drew,” Donadoni admitted. “It goes to our advantage. But it also shows Romania are a difficult team. It is going to be a tough game for us and getting a win is going to be really important.”