Euro 2008 digest: Italy count the cost of Cannavaro’s injury

A round-up of all the latest news and events from Euro 2008.

Cannavaro will be absent with injury

Does Cannavaro’s injury spell the end of Italy’s hopes?

Inspirational leader Fabio Cannavaro will miss Euro 2008 after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in training. Roberto Donadoni has lost more than a solid defender. Cannavaro is an authority in the Italian squad and a respected captain and the Real Madrid centre-back would have provided the stimulation for the tournament, being associated with the World Cup triumph in Germany.

Donadoni’s job is far from secure and Cannavaro’s injury is an unwelcome bit of new for the former Livorno coach. Realistically, Italy need to reach the semi-finals at least if Donadoni is to remain employed.

France struggle for form

A 0-0 draw with lowly Paraguay doesn’t raise hopes of France surpassing their World Cup exploits at the Euros. In fact, as a member of the group of death, Raymond Domenech’s side must be wondering whether their tournament will be over after just three matches.

Their trio of games against South American opposition provides the squad with a physical test, but whether Ecuador, Paraguay and Colombia are up to Euro 2008 standard is debatable.

Nevertheless, Les Bleus defence looks as sturdy as ever – something their World Cup campaign was based upon – and recent history points to their form turning up just in time. Thierry Henry will have to put a poor season behind him, with extra pressure exerted upon the Barcelona man with David Trézéguet’s exclusion, while many feel Samir Nasri, the Arsenal-bound midfield star, will be given plenty of playing time in spite of his age.

Patrick Vieira’s injury hasn’t helped Domenech’s preparations; consequently, Mathieu Flamini has earned a reprieve.

See Times Online’s analysis of France’s hopes: France face a battle at Euro 2008

Out with an attacker, in comes defender

The Netherlands have been accused to lacking their most famous traits: the art of being able to play stunning, attacking football. Ryan Babel’s inventiveness has rarely been on display at club Liverpool over the last year, but he was tipped for a starring role in Austria/Switzerland. However, injury has ensured he will be spending the summer with Rafa Benítez to cap off a miserable year and Marco Van Basten has replaced him with defender Khalid Boulahrouz instead of an attacking player.

There is plenty of talent amongst the Dutch squad, but fusing it has always proved incredibly testing. On paper, they have one of the most talented squads but reality has often been starkly different.