Italy begin title defence

European Under-21 champions Italy kick off the defence of the title they won two years ago in Bratislava this evening. Their first match in Group A pits them against Portugal, traditionally one of the strongest sides at junior level and conquerors of Spain in the play-offs.

Maresca missing
Having lost Enzo Maresca for the tournament due to injury, Italy coach Claudio Gentile will look to Milan AC midfield player and team captain Andrea Pirlo to provide the inspiration. In an interview earlier this week, coach Gentile compared Pirlo with Gianni Rivera. "I've never seen him play", confessed Pirlo, before adding: "It would be great to win as much as he did."

Perfect partners
Pirlo will play behind the attacking duo of Massimo Maccarone and Emiliano Bonazzoli, who were devastating during the qualifying competition scoring 14 goals. "I'm the tower up front and can open up spaces for Maccarone," Bonazzoli said. "We complement each other perfectly", was Maccarone's take on the partnership. "With Pirlo delivering loads of playable balls we have all we need to do well."

Solid defence
It is not just Pirlo and the front two. In line with tradition, the Italian team can also count on a solid defence built on Daniele Bonera, Matteo Ferrari and Paolo Cannavaro. And in midfield, Pirlo will be supported by Marco Marchionni, Manuele Blasi, Matteo Brighi and Gianpaolo Bellini.

Makukula eligible
As for the opposition, Portugal head coach Agostinho Oliveira is grateful to have secured the services of rising star Aziza Makukula who obtained Portuguese citizenship just 24 hours before the deadline for submitting official players' list to UEFA. The 21-year old played for UD Salamanca in the Spanish second division this season and scored no fewer than 21 goals. He has since signed a five-year contract with FC Nantes Atlantique who paid a transfer fee of €6m for the youngster.

Viana influential
There is no lack of experience in the Portugal team. Goalkeeper Sergio Leite will be aided in his attempts to keep a clean sheet by Paulo Ferreira, Tonel, Vasco Faísca and Jorge Ribeiro in defence. The three-man midfield is likely to be composed by the influential Hugo Viana alongside Ednilson and Tiago, with Cândido Costa and Helder Postiga on the wings and newcomer Makukula leading the line up front.
 
Good support
Another important factor tonight will be the support both teams will receive from the stands. With large Italian and Portuguese contingents living in Basel and other parts of Switzerland, the St. Jakob stadium will tonight have a very south European feel.