Shrewd Nesta respectful of Danish challenge

Italy defender Alessandro Nesta is a great admirer of Danish football and is under no illusions about the task facing the Azzurri in their Euro 2004 opener on Monday.

Nesta and company are once again among the favourites in an international tournament but they must negotiate an extremely tough group which also includes Sweden and Bulgaria.

The Danes earned respect around the world for their unlikely march to the European title in 1992, when they were given a pass to compete just a couple of months before the start of the competition following the suspension of Yugoslavia due to the unrest in the Balkan country.

“I really like the football they play,” said Nesta, entrenched at the heart of the Italians’ defence.

“The Danes are able to combine dynamics with technique, and then they can count on Tomasson.”

Jon Dahl Tomasson scored as Feyenoord landed the UEFA Cup in 2002 before being snapped up by Nesta’s team, AC Milan.

Despite backing up Andriy Shevchenko and Filipo Inzaghi, Tomasson had an outstanding 2003-4 campaign, scoring 12 goals in 26 appearances.

“Of course, he’s a player that I know very well,” said Nesta.

“He moves so much, and if there’s a free ball inside the area, he’s the first to arrive and to get to it, and strike it into the net.”

Nesta and his team-mates have a score to settle after losing to a golden goal against France at the Europeans four years ago.

He is confident, but realistic enough to know that several teams can put together a good run and win the crown.

“Italy are favourites to win the title, but there are other top squads like France, England, Holland, Spain and Portugal,” said Nesta, speaking before the hosts’ 2-1 upset by Greece.

With teams such as Greece capable of springing upsets Nesta insists only total effort is acceptable.

“In today’s football, you need 11 players to give 100% physically and mentally.

“In tournaments as important as this one, if you only give 80% of your potential, you end up looking bad.”

Italy are always regarded to be among the strongest defensive sides in tournaments, yet Nesta says this Azzurri group is a little different.

“Our team has a very good defence, and I’m not concerned that it has a more offensive approach with respect to the past.

“This is proof of a changed mentality that Italian football has undergone.

“Today, even in our football, you play to win because the fans want to see, especially, a good show and goals.”