Donadoni: Yet to decide on line-up
World champions Italy begin their bid for Euro 2008 glory in the first heavyweight contest of the tournament.
Both sides are missing key players but there will still be a glittering array of talent on show and a tactical battle to savour as Roberto Donadoni pits his wits against former Milan team-mate Marco van Basten.
Holland have not beaten Italy for 30 years and Van Basten's preparations have been hit by injuries to the likes of Ryan Babel and Arjen Robben.
Babel has already been ruled out of Euro 2008 and Robben may not be able to play any part in the group stage due to a groin strain.
Wigan right-back Mario Melchiot is available after recovering from a pubic bone problem and Arsenal forward Robin van Persie may yet feature following a thigh complaint.
Wesley Sneijder is also back in training and Van Basten accepts that it is vital for Holland to make a good start with highly-fancied France and dark horses Romania also in Group C.
He said: "Two years ago Italy were world champions and they still have mostly the same players.
"It is going to be a difficult job for us and the group will be difficult with France and Romania.
"We will have to perform very well but we will give it a try."
Defensive reshuffle
Italy were rocked last week by the news that captain Fabio Cannavaro would miss the competition with an ankle injury.
Fellow defender Christian Panucci felt pain in his knee on Friday but Donadoni expects him to feature.
Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli are likely to line-up as centre-backs while Alessandro Del Piero will skipper the side if he gets the nod to start.
Donadoni has been mulling over several different formations as he is fully aware of the threat posed by Holland.
"They did well in qualifying and have some interesting players with plenty of skill, so we have taken that into consideration," he said.
"It is not going to be easy. I think the Netherlands team are helped by the fans all dressing in orange - you really notice them. Aesthetically, it is beautiful."
