Czechs out to avenge final defeat

The Czech Republic will be looking to exact revenge over Italy in Zürich's Hardturm stadium at 20.30 CET tonight as the UEFA European Under-21 Championship reaches the semi-final stage.

Final defeat
Two years ago in Bratislava, Italy took the 2000 crown with a 2-1 final victory over the Czechs to continue their domination of an event they have won in four of the last five tournaments. Miroslav Beránek's team have not produced their best form so far. Their three group games brought them just a single victory and the 1-1 draw with Greece on Tuesday hardly marks them out as champions-in-waiting.

'Strong opposition'
The Czech coach admits they will need to be on top form to stand any chance of stopping Italy's charge. "Italy will be strong opposition but the players are in good shape physically and we will try our hardest and make sure that this game is not our last game in the competition," said Beránek.

Baroš wants revenge
Several players were involved in the sides' meeting two years ago, including the Liverpool FC striker Milan Baroš who commented: "I hope that we can take our revenge, reach the final and then go on to lift the trophy."

Missing trio
It should help the Czechs that their opponents are without three first-choice defenders because of suspension although both Beránek and Baroš made the point that the Italian squad is strong and they have good players who can step in to the breach. Daniele Bonera, Gianpaolo Bellini and Cesare Natali are the missing trio and it looks likely that coach Claudio Gentile will ask Paolo Cannavaro and Paolo Castellini to step up and join Matteo Ferrari and Stefano Lucchini.

'A big team'
"We have to regard this match as the final because it would be dangerous to underestimate the Czech Republic," said Gentile. "Sure, they have not played very well up to now but they could suddenly find their form and we must be prepared for that. They are a big team, strong and physical, and they always look to get the ball forward to their two attackers."

Pirlo wants goal
AC Parma striker Emiliano Bonazzoli has a leg injury and may have to miss the game in which Italian captain, Andrea Pirlo will be looking to open his goalscoring account for the tournament. The Czechs need no reminding of his talent - he scored both Italian goals in the 2000 final.