Italy benefit from experience

Italy caused the biggest shock of last year's opening UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship matches by beating the holders Germany 2-0, only for defeats in their next two games - the latter on penalties - to cost them a place in the semi-finals. Having won 5-1 against Russia yesterday, however, the Azzurre are determined not to be left feeling blue in Finland.

Lessons learned
A 3-1 loss to England was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sweden which resulted in a rare group-stage shoot-out as the two sides were locked together on points, goal difference and goals scored. Italy missed two of their three spot-kicks and the scenes of dejection said it all. Coach Elisabetta Bavagnoli thinks the experience has hardened her side. "Last year we learned that you cannot take anything for granted," she said.

In-form strikers
Striker Agnese Ricco scored the second goal a year ago against Germany, a game in which Serena Coppolino came on as a 49th-minute substitute. Both are certain starters against Norway on Friday after Coppolino scored a first-half hat-trick against Russia and Ricco increased Italy's goals for column to five with two strikes after the break. "The strikers combined very well," said Bavagnolli, who is expecting a more testing afternoon in Hämeenlinna.

'Strongest team'
"We are going to play one of the best teams in Europe, we know their strengths," said Bavagnolli of Norway, who beat the holders France 2-0 in their opening fixture. "We need to check the condition of our players before selecting the strongest team. Norway are on a higher level than our team and we cannot afford to be too daring."

Best in Europe
The Norwegian players were delighted to record maximum points against France, a team their coach Jarl Tørske rates as the best in Europe. Norway are right up their too, having lost two of the last three finals, the most recent against the French in 2003. Like last year's team, Norway's side in Finland is possessed of skilful and powerful players, with Monica Henriksen and Anneli Giske rock-like in central defence. Their tussle with Ricco and Coppolino is likely to decide the match.

Defeat not critical
A victory for either Italy or Norway would see them secure a place in the last four, and a ticket to the FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship in Thailand later this year. A loss would not be critical, though, with the final group matches to come on Monday. The same does not apply to France or Russia, both of whom must avoid defeat when they meet in the later game in Hämeenlinna.
 
Impressive display
France coach Bruno Bini could not believe his side failed to amass any points on the back of a display he described as "technically excellent" against Norway. He said: "We played a very good game but ended up with zero points - that's football."

Approach play
France's approach play was superb, only for the ideas to dry up on the edge of the Norwegian area. They will hope that the Russian back line is as accommodation as it was against Italy, although Valentin Grishin's side cannot afford to show the nerves which saw them overrun in their first finals match in six years if they want to avoid an early exit.