Berettini backing for Italy

By Andrew Haslam in Nottwil

As holders and the only one of the eight finalists to have qualified for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2003, Italy are once again among the favourites for this year's tournament in Switzerland.

Coaching experience
Boasting an experienced coach in Paolo Berettini - who guided the side to victory in Liechtenstein a year ago - and a number of players who are beginning to make their mark in Italian league football, the holders look to be in a strong position again. However, despite the positive signs, Berettini is quick to brush off comparisons between this year's crop of players and the 2003 vintage.

'Big temperaments'
"Last year, we had players of big temperament, who could cope with the pressure extremely well – they proved that by going on to become champions," he told uefa.com. "This year, it is completely different; the players we have here are technically better, but I am worried that they are not as hard and not as experienced."

Italian importance
The coach, who has worked for the Italian Football Federation's youth sides since 1999, recognises the passion for football in his homeland, but believes that his side are strong enough to cope with the expectations. "We do not feel any extra pressure as holders, although I am aware that there is a big responsibility on me as coach," he said. "It is certainly important for Italy to be in these finals again. It sends an important message to the Italian clubs, and lets them know that we have good players."

Group A task
Drawn in Group A alongside hosts Switzerland – who they meet in their first game – as well as Ukraine and Belgium, Berettini is aware his side face a tough task to retain their crown. "The eight teams here are the best in Europe, as they have had to fight through two qualifying rounds to get to these finals," he told uefa.com. "I know all three of our opponents very well, and all have very good players.

Belgian danger
"Belgium, in particular, were very impressive when we played them in the first qualifying round, and beat us 3-1," he added. "This Swiss side were European Under-17 Champions two years ago, and so they know each other very well indeed. They are also playing at home, which makes life a lot more difficult for us. I have seen Ukraine a number of times and they are a strong team, very physical."

World challenge
With the top three teams in each groups qualifying for next year's FIFA World Youth Championships in the Netherlands, Italy look in a strong position to challenge for honours once more. Berettini is taking nothing for granted, saying only: "It is a very complicated group. However, in order to win the title, you have to win five games and so we cannot become preoccupied with the sides we have to face."