Under-19 team guide: Italy

THE COACH:
As a player Berrettini spent his career in the lower leagues. Since moving into coaching, the 55-year-old has held various posts within the Italian Football Federation during the past decade. From the amateur national team, he moved on to the university team with whom he won the gold medal at the Palermo University Games in 1997 and the silver medal in Palma de Mallorca in 1999. In the last four years he has been working with Italy's youth teams - from Under-16 to Under-20 - and this will be his third UEFA European Championship final tournament at a junior level.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
At the heart of Italy's defence is Andrea Mantovani, a player whose strength and aerial power elevated him into senior club action last season with Torino Calcio, where he made nine Serie A appearances. In midfield, there is Alberto Aquilani of AS Roma, whom Berrettini has described as "an intelligent player with great passing ability". Aquilani's playmaking skills are a key asset and he is considered one of his country's most promising youngsters. In attack, meanwhile, is Bologna FC's Luigi Della Rocca - tall and strong and blessed also with good technique - and a player who scored twice in six first-team appearances for the Rossoblù last term.

ROUTE TO THE FINALS:
Italy beat all six opponents on their way to the final round. After disposing of Group 1 rivals Armenia (4-1), Lithuania (3-1) and Slovakia (2-1) in the first qualifying phase, they then achieved maximum points again in the second qualifying round. Playing on home soil, they were handed a 3-0 default victory over Latvia, before then defeating Georgia 3-1 and Northern Ireland 2-0 to top Group 7. Atalanta BC striker Giampaolo Pazzini was on target in both those matches.

Honours in UEFA youth competitions:
UEFA European Under-18 Championship
Runners-up 1986, 1995, 1999
UEFA European Under-16 Championship
Winners 1987
Runners-up 1986, 1993, 1998