Italians fear Sukur

Italy see Sukur as a big threat

Hakan Sukur has been marked out for special treatment from Italy in Turkey's Euro 2000 opener.

The Italians fear that Sukur will be out to prove a point, five years after failing to make an impact in Serie A.

Sukur spent just three months with Torino before heading home to Galatasaray, amid reports that he was disillusioned with life in Turin and unhappy with his treatment.

"Suker is undoubtedly a very important player for the Turks," admitted Italian striker Filippo Inzaghi.

Turkey v Italy

Seven previous meetings, Italy winning six and drawing the other.

They met in qualifying for the 1964 European Championships, Italy winning their home leg 6-0 in Bologna.

Italy won their last meeting too, a 3-1 win in Pescara in December 1994.

"But he is by no means the only one. They have a lot of class players."

Meanwhile Turkey new-boy Muzzy Izzet is revelling in the atmosphere at his first international tournament.

Izzet, who twice turned down approaches from Turkey before applying for citizenship earlier this year, was involved in his side's final practice at the Gelredome stadium on Saturday.

"It (the atmosphere) is very good," he said. I've enjoyed every minute of it and I'm just looking forward to tomorrow now."

Inzaghi: fears Sukur

As a late entry to the Turkish squad, Izzet is still getting to know his team-mates and admits to speaking "not a lot" of their language.

"A lot of them speak very good English so it's not been too difficult," he said, "but obviously I've got to try and learn a little bit of their language as well."

Turkish coach Mustafa Denzili was optmistic that his side could upset the odds and beat the Italians, despite the fact that Turkey only arrived in Holland on Friday - less than 48 hours ahead of the game.

"Italy are always slow starters in a competition and hopefully we can use that to our advantage," he said.

I've enjoyed every minute of it, and now I'm just looking forward to Sunday

Muzzy Izzet

Juventus striker Inzaghi is hoping to get the nod against the Turks, and banish memories of a poor World Cup two years ago.

"I am more mature now and am aiming to do well in this tournament," he said.

"My dream is to score in the first game, but the most important thing is that Italy win.

"We know that we can do well. If it turns out badly for us we will take the criticism."

Toldo

Francesco Toldo will play between the posts for Italy after stepping in for the injured Gianluigi Buffon.

And the big keeper believes that Italy can reverse a poor run of form that has seen them lose four out of seven games this year.

"I feel that I can add a little more conviction to the side," he said.

"This team has what it takes to do well. But we need that extra bit of determination and anger which makes a team fight harder during their matches."

"We need to play as if it is to the death. Every match has to be like a relegation decider or a final. If we play like that, no-one else has a chance."

Luigi Di Biagio is Italy's only real injury worry, the Inter Milan midfielder battling to shake off an injury to his left thigh.

Coach Dino Zoff said: "He is doing OK. It's not serious."