HOLLAND manager Marco van Basten knows he and his players are in for a very hard game on Monday against Italy when they go up against a coach who "does whatever is necessary to win".
The Dutch will take on an Azzurri side that is led by Van Basten's former AC Milan team-mate and close friend Roberto Donadoni.
"Donadoni has a combative spirit," he said.
"He has a strong character and does whatever is necessary to win and if the Italian team play like he is as a person, for us it will be without a doubt a hard game."
Holland have a big psychological hurdle to clear as they have not beaten Italy for 30 years.
Van Basten's team has suffered a blow as well with winger Arjen Robben ruled out through injury.
The Real Madrid star is out of action with a groin injury which will prevent him from playing in any of Holland's Group C games.
"He will be out seven to 10 days, in the most positive case a little bit less," Van Basten said.
With Liverpool winger Ryan Babel out for the tournament having suffered torn ankle ligaments and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie lacking match fitness having struggled with a problematic thigh, the situation is a taxing one for Van Basten.
"The game against Italy is coming too soon," he said.
"But I think it would be difficult for any team to face the Azzurri.
"They're a national team that have won a lot, a European title, four World Cups.
"They have players who have a lot of experience and who are defending world champions."
However, van Basten, who will leave the Oranje after the tournament in Austria and Switzerland to coach Ajax, does not rule out his team's chances, despite having to face World Cup runners-up France in their second game and finishing the group stages against Romania.
"Our first aim is to progress past the group stages and that is no easy task," said van Basten.
"If we achieve that, then with a bit of luck we will be able to go far."
"Donadoni has a combative spirit," he said.
"He has a strong character and does whatever is necessary to win and if the Italian team play like he is as a person, for us it will be without a doubt a hard game."
Holland have a big psychological hurdle to clear as they have not beaten Italy for 30 years.
Van Basten's team has suffered a blow as well with winger Arjen Robben ruled out through injury.
The Real Madrid star is out of action with a groin injury which will prevent him from playing in any of Holland's Group C games.
"He will be out seven to 10 days, in the most positive case a little bit less," Van Basten said.
With Liverpool winger Ryan Babel out for the tournament having suffered torn ankle ligaments and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie lacking match fitness having struggled with a problematic thigh, the situation is a taxing one for Van Basten.
"The game against Italy is coming too soon," he said.
"But I think it would be difficult for any team to face the Azzurri.
"They're a national team that have won a lot, a European title, four World Cups.
"They have players who have a lot of experience and who are defending world champions."
However, van Basten, who will leave the Oranje after the tournament in Austria and Switzerland to coach Ajax, does not rule out his team's chances, despite having to face World Cup runners-up France in their second game and finishing the group stages against Romania.
"Our first aim is to progress past the group stages and that is no easy task," said van Basten.
"If we achieve that, then with a bit of luck we will be able to go far."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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