Van Persie expects Holland impact

UEFA EURO 2008 GROUP C: NETHERLANDS v ITALY
Date: Mon 9 Jun Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne
Coverage: Highlights on BBC ONE, BBC Sport website (UK only) and on mobiles, full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles; live on ITV

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Robin van Persie is in confident mood about Holland's Euro 2008 hopes

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie expects Holland to make a major impact in Euro 2008's "group of death" alongside France, Italy and Romania.

Holland face world champions Italy in their opening game in Berne on Monday.

He said: "It is going to be very hard, but we have a young team and let's just look at it like a great challenge.

"We just have to forget about the names in the other teams in our group and just play our football, then we will see who is the best."

Van Persie told Arsenal TV Online: "We are in a difficult group, so it is going to be tight but we are going to give it a go.

"Everyone is speaking about our amazing group, with Italy, Holland and France - but Romania too have a strong side. However, no-one is secure they are going to qualify."

Van Persie added: "Everyone still talks about the old Holland teams. Everyone know they played really well and made a statement for the whole world.

"If we can work together and have a good tournament, that will be our statement, our moment and we can enjoy it for many years."