Portugal chase dream double

'Dream is closer'
Dinis was assistant coach of the Portugal team who became European Under-17 champions on home soil in May and now only Italy stand in the way of a second success. "As soon as we won the Under-17 title it became a dream for us to do the double," said Dinis. "At the moment the dream is closer. Let's wait and see if that is possible."

Kick off at 20.00
Italy, as the designated home team in Vaduz, will wear all-white and their coach, Paolo Berrettini, expects the final - which kicks off at 20.00CET - to provide a fitting conclusion to these eleven days in Liechtenstein.

Everything in place
"Portugal have always left a big impression through the way they play - they play very well and so I'd say it'll be a spectacular game although of course in a final the tension can mean the match is not played at the best level," he said. "But everything is in place for a good final."

Lodi question
Berrettini has all 18 players available but it remains to be seen whether he will recall forward Francesco Lodi who was dropped for the 1-0 semi-final win against the Czech Republic for tactical reasons.

Berrettini's verdict
Italy have never lifted this title and in 1999, in its former guise as an Under-18 tournament, were beaten 1-0 in the final by Portugal, who have been winners twice. Berrettini rates their chances as "50-50". He said: "It's 50-50 because the two teams play a different kind of football. Italy are more compact whereas Portugal are good at creating spaces."

Italian improvement
The sides drew 1-1 when they met in the group stage but Berrettini believes Italy have improved since then. "I often start a tournament in a defensive way because we don't know the opposition at the beginning. We suffered against Portugal but we made it to the final playing with a different tactical system against the Czechs."

Miguel Angelo suspended
Dinis, meanwhile, felt Portugal "created a lot of opportunities which we didn't make the most of" in that 1-1 draw. He will make one enforced change from the side that overcame Austria 6-3 on Wednesday, as defender Miguel Angelo is suspended. João Pedro should partner Amoreirinha in central defence with João Pereira taking the right-back role. Striker Paulo Sérgio will hope to add to his five goals that make him the tournament's leading scorer.

'Hard-fought game'
Looking ahead to the final, coach Dinis said: "I expect a competitive, hard-fought game. I hope it will be a good game, for the people watching. From our side we are keen for this as it's a privilege to be able to play good football. I hope that in the end we'll be satisfied with what we have done. Italy are a very strong team, very solid in defence, but I think sometimes what they do does not make for a good spectacle."