This is a huge game in the overall complexion of the hardest group in the tournament, predictably named the "Group of Death." Whichever of these two nations can pull off a win in this one will fancy winning the whole tournament. Italy, as world champions, are in a great position to do the "double." Many of their stand-out performers during the World Cup remain, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Fabio Cannavaro, midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso as well as forward Luca Toni. Holland, led by Marco van Basten, have much depth up front (Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder) but are weak defensively and may well find it hard to progress from Group C.



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