Vieri promises attacking threat

'Free role'
Vieri will spearhead the Italian challenge at UEFA EURO 2004™ with Mauro Camoranesi, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero offering guile aplenty just behind the FC Internazionale forward. "I enjoy playing alongside Totti, especially when we win," he said. "He is a fantastic player who has been given a free role with the national team. Sometimes he plays in attack, sometimes a bit deeper, but he's always dangerous."

Cassano in reserve
Vieri also pointed to Italy's strength in depth, with Totti's AS Roma team-mate Antonio Cassano likely to be used as an impact substitute. "He is a great lad and has plenty of talent," said Vieri of the 21-year-old. "He's in the squad because he's ready for a tournament like this. Maybe he doesn't have the experience but Serie A is a tough league and he's ready to contribute."

Vieri belief
The 30-year-old missed UEFA EURO 2000™ through injury and is looking to leave his mark on the competition having scored four of Italy's five goals at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. "Many of my team-mates have won more than me with their clubs but none of them has won with anything with Italy so we are all determined to win here in Portugal," said Vieri. "We are more mature than at the World Cup and I believe we can do it."