Home
According to BBC 
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has admitted he is still unsure
of his best line-up ahead of Monday's Euro 2008 Group C match against
Italy.
Van Basten has been without Marc van Bommel since 2006 after a falling
out, and a recent row with Clarence Seedorf saw the AC Milan star also
walk out. "I am no longer certain who to select for the defensive midfielder positions," said Van Basten.
However, the Dutchman has been boosted by Italy's own defensive difficulties.
Centre-back Fabio Cannavaro suffered an ankle injury earlier in the week, and has been ruled out of the tournament.
Van Basten said: "In a sense, his (Cannavaro's) absence is a good thing for us.
"He is a huge name, a great player, and a huge personality. He was fundamental to the Italian game."
One player who could take advantage of Cannavaro's absence is striker
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who recently returned to the Dutch squad.
Van Nistelrooy had effectively retired from international football in
early 2007 after being told by Van Basten that he was not guaranteed a
starting place in the side. But, back in the fold, the Barcelona forward has now declared himself happy with the preparations for the tournament.
"Our warm-up matches really reassured me," he said.
"Of course we lacked consistency but in terms of attacking tactics we are capable of putting some great moves together."
Italy should also pose a potent attacking threat, with Bayern Munich
striker Luca Toni in red-hot form after his 39-goal season. Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar admitted his side should be "very afraid" of Toni.
"He is the main striker and you have to think about him," said Van der Sar.
"But it is not only Luca Toni. They have got a lot more good players. It is a well-balanced team."
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has admitted he is still unsure
of his best line-up ahead of Monday's Euro 2008 Group C match against
Italy.
Van Basten has been without Marc van Bommel since 2006 after a falling
out, and a recent row with Clarence Seedorf saw the AC Milan star also
walk out. "I am no longer certain who to select for the defensive midfielder positions," said Van Basten.
However, the Dutchman has been boosted by Italy's own defensive difficulties.
Centre-back Fabio Cannavaro suffered an ankle injury earlier in the week, and has been ruled out of the tournament.
Van Basten said: "In a sense, his (Cannavaro's) absence is a good thing for us.
"He is a huge name, a great player, and a huge personality. He was fundamental to the Italian game."
 | 606: DEBATE Who will escape the Group of Death? |
One player who could take advantage of Cannavaro's absence is striker
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who recently returned to the Dutch squad.
Van Nistelrooy had effectively retired from international football in
early 2007 after being told by Van Basten that he was not guaranteed a
starting place in the side. But, back in the fold, the Barcelona forward has now declared himself happy with the preparations for the tournament.
"Our warm-up matches really reassured me," he said.
"Of course we lacked consistency but in terms of attacking tactics we are capable of putting some great moves together."
Italy should also pose a potent attacking threat, with Bayern Munich
striker Luca Toni in red-hot form after his 39-goal season. Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar admitted his side should be "very afraid" of Toni.
"He is the main striker and you have to think about him," said Van der Sar.
"But it is not only Luca Toni. They have got a lot more good players. It is a well-balanced team."
