Van Persie has been out for several weeks with a thigh problem but returned to training this week.

"Robin trained for the first time in a month with the group," said Van Basten.

"That was, of course, a bit awkward for him. We will see how things go in the next few days.

"After that we will make a decision. Physically he is okay now. But he needs to be back to his old self as soon as possible.

"He can do this quickly because he wasn't out for a very long time."

ends

(reopens)

Van Persie expects to be fit enough to play some part, but not the full 90 minutes.

He said: "I've worked for months with all my strength to be ready for Italy. I think I'm ready. Now the coach has to decide.

"I do lack match fitness of course - it will be difficult to play an entire game - but maybe I can be important to the team in another way."

The 24-year-old admitted he had felt nerves upon returning to the training pitch, saying: "I was glad, but also nervous. Luckily all went well.

"(I am) satisfied about how it all went, but I did notice my lungs told me I've been out for a month."

ends