11 June 2008

Euro 2008, first assessment for the Bianconeri

With all the eight first day games now played, it's time for a mini-assessment of how the various Juventus players and their teams have fared so far. It's the foreigners who are smiling: Zdenek Grygera and Olof Mellberg have both begun the tournament on the right foot.

The Czech Republic were the first team to get the three points, winning the tournament opener against Switzerland, one of the two host countries: three precious points that give them strong hopes of qualifying from Group A. Today things will be made clearer, as the schedule offers a match against Portugal, who also have three points after beating Turkey, but most of all are one of the favourites to win the tournament. The game will be played at 6 pm in Geneve.

The Swedes won their first match too, beating reigning champions Greece 2-0 last night in Salzburg. Group D looks interesting as it also has Spain (who beat Russia 4-1 yesterday) in it. Sweden and Spain will clash on Saturday.

And finally Italy, undoubtedly the biggest disappointment so far. The defeat against Holland has created controversy but hasn't compromised  their chances of qualification just yet - especially in view of the draw between France and Rumania, the other teams in Group C. Starting from the next game against the Rumanians (scheduled for Friday at 6 pm in Zurich), Manager Donadoni could be using more of the Bianconeri at his disposal. After the excellent half hour he played against the Dutch team, Del Piero could be starting the game. As could Chiellini, whose name was mentioned a lot in the press as a solution for the defence after their below-par performance the other night. It is not impossible we will see all four Bianconeri playing together from the start.