Trapattoni targets team success

By Paolo Menicucci

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes the "new spirit" he has witnessed within his squad at their first training session for UEFA EURO 2004™ makes the Azzurri favourites to win the tournament.

Team spirit
Speaking from Italy's Coverciano base near Florence, he said: "I am really optimistic because I see something new in the side. Every player seems ready to sacrifice himself for the team. I believe we can win, though I'm sure all the other teams are convinced they can go all the way in the tournament too."

Significant changes
After a disappointing showing at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the coach is hoping for an improved performance in Portugal. "Now we have a different formation and better communications with every Italian club," he continued. "We wanted to hear from the players and if they had any particular requests. We have no excuses now."

Shared responsibility
When asked if AS Roma forward Francesco Totti would be Italy's most important player, Trapattoni replied: "I don't want to give him too much responsibility. I believe we have several strong players in this team, although some of them need to recharge their batteries. [Fabio] Cannavaro, [Alessandro] Del Piero, [Mauro] Camoranesi and [Antonio] Cassano are constantly improving their physical condition. I'm not worried because there is plenty of time for them to reach 100 per cent fitness."

Family visits
The veteran trainer has also outlined a series of rules for the trip to Portugal to his players. For the first time Italian players will be allowed to receive visits from their wives and girlfriends in their hotel for one hour after dinner, with the exception of the days before matches.

Importance of rules
"I don't like to speak about discipline, we are not in the army," Trapattoni explained. "Precise rules are important in this kind of competition but it's good to have your family with you. We want to create a happy group."

Final preparations
The Azzurri will leave for Portugal on 7 June after facing African Cup of Nations winners Tunisia on 30 May in their final warm-up game. They kick off their EURO 2004™ campaign against Group C rivals Denmark in Guimarães on 14 June.