Azzurrini aim to go all the way

Defender Michele Canini is relishing the stage provided by the UEFA European Under-21 Championship – and hopes to extend his experience of these finals as far as his 21st birthday.

'Great spirit'
With the tournament climaxing on 4 June, Canini wants to come of age in Portugal the following day and believes this Italy team has the spirit to overcome any hurdle between now and then. "We haven't played so many games together but we understand each other quite well," he told uefa.com. "We are a skilful side with many players who can make something out of nothing. Overall, we have a great spirit which can help us in any situation."

Career change
An Atalanta BC youth product, Canini caught the eye of Azzurrini coach Claudio Gentile during his first Serie A season, having moved to Cagliari Calcio and made 32 league appearances. He played four times in U21 qualifying and is now having "a great experience" at the finals. "I am trying to do my best because I know this is a great opportunity for a young player like me. My career has changed a lot in the last 12 months. I have signed my first professional contract, made my debut in Serie A, and now I am playing here. It is great."

Bovo partnership
Canini is also enjoying playing alongside AS Roma's Cesare Bovo in central defence. "In the first game against Denmark, we lacked a bit of focus," he said of the 3-3 draw. "We possibly thought it would be easy. But we were wrong and conceded three silly goals." He added of the 1-0 win against Ukraine: "We were much better in defence, not giving any room to their forwards. I feel really comfortable with Cesare Bovo, my partner at the back."

Attacking style
Another Atalanta old boy, striker Giampaolo Pazzini, is keen to return to Gentile's lineup having been limited to a substitute's cameo against Ukraine after starting against Denmark. Italy's attacking ploy in the former game, "with two offensive wingers and two strikers", sounds like every forward's dream. "I like the way we play. Four-four-two is my favourite system as the team can create so many chances and make life easier for the forwards," said the 21-year-old, who is UEFA Champions League-bound with ACF Fiorentina next term.

Aiming to impress
"Our performance so far has been more than positive. We played two really good teams and collected four points. We are on the verge of qualifying, although we have to be careful against the Netherlands. They are a good side and we cannot underestimate them." Looking beyond possible progress from Group B, Pazzini added to uefa.com: "I haven't watched any of the other games but I think France could well be our toughest opponent. Even if I am not at my best physically, after picking up a foot injury which is a bit painful, I really want to be important for the team and help them get further in the tournament."