Italy take nothing for granted

Deprived of their UEFA European Futsal Championship title two years ago in Ostrava, Italy do not expect an easy task as they begin their qualifying campaign today.

Unbeaten run
Visiting Martina Franca in Group A are Belarus, France and Turkey, three nations moving up in the futsal world. Alessandro Nuccorini's team took the European crown in 2003 and reached the following year's FIFA Futsal World Cup final, but their 2005 challenge in Ostrava was ended in the semis by Russia. Since then the Azzurri are unbeaten in 18 friendlies, save for a penalty shoot-out reverse against Brazil in October's Caxias Do Sul final, and 3-0 and 7-1 wins against the Czech Republic last month showed their intent.

Looking to future
However, Nuccorini takes nothing for granted. "Our past victories are just history," he said. "We have to focus on the future. We want to continue to play for the best possible results. We know this group is quite difficult. France are considered underdogs but I know futsal is growing fast there. Turkey are relatively unknown as they have reached this level for the first time in their history. Belarus are among the six or seven best sides in Europe at the moment. A few days ago they defeated a great team like Ukraine in a friendly, giving a great show of strength."

Home support
Home support will count in Italy's favour, though. It was in front of their own fans that they claimed the 2003 title and the last time they came to Martina Franca, they met Portugal, winning 2-1 and drawing 1-1. "We decided to base ourselves in Martina Franca for such an important occasion because we played two friendlies against Portugal here at the start of 2006 and had a wonderful welcome," Nuccorini explained. "The fans will give us all the support we need."

Caution
Vinicio Bacaro, scorer of the final winner four years ago against Ukraine, is back in the Italy squad after a trip to his birthplace, Brazil, for personal reasons. Another 2003 veteran, Nando Grana, shares his coach's caution. "Many observers believe Belarus will be our most difficult opponents but we have to focus on our opening game against France first," he said. "Every international game must be played at 100 per cent, without thinking about the following match. We have worked at playing games in quick succession and we cannot fail."

Belarus ability
Belarus have never qualified for the European finals, but their 5-4 triumph in Ukraine last week showed their ability. Italy, though, beat them in 1999 and 2001 qualifying, and last year the Belarussians were given a tough time by France, winning 4-3 in Troyes then being held 3-3 in Auxerre. France themselves had never registered a victory in 19 competitive fixtures before finishing their 2005 campaign with a 3-2 defeat of Israel. And although they lost twice to Belgium last month, two hard-fought successes against England in December have left them in good spirits.

Turkish bow
Turkey, meanwhile, had not played a futsal international before two friendly reverses apiece against Romania and Azerbaijan in December. They also fell twice in a double-header against Belgium the next month, but the next week made their competitive debut in the preliminary round of this tournament - overcoming Albania 6-3, drawing 5-5 with group hosts Finland and beating Armenia 5-2 to take first place. On Monday they warmed up with a respectable 6-4 defeat by Azerbaijan, and also boast FIFA World Cup semi-final experience in former footballer Ümit Davala.