Italy Begs Holland to Try

At this late stage of the Euro 2008 championship, the Azurri of Italy need more than yet another penalty kick off a cheap flop to advance, and no amount of drama training will help them.
No, Italy needs something much less probable: a win against France and a full effort by Holland against Romania today, a nigh-impossibility given that Holland already has their group won, will rest players in preparation for the quarterfinals, and will be playing against a fierce defensive team in Romania.

Nevertheless, Italians took to the editorial pages begging for Dutch effort today:

“Dear Marco, we are hoping to be able to give you our thanks not only for the beautiful football that your team is showing but also for the great favour you can do your great friend Roberto Donadoni and all your admirers in Italy.”

Marco Van Basten, who played for eight years in Italy but who also happens to be both Dutch and the manager of the Dutch national team, said his team is "under no obligation" to win the game, but that they will attempt to win the match. Translated, this means you should book the vacation house in Amalfi, Italy, because Holland is not winning this match, and the defending World Cup champs will bounce out of Euro 2008 like ... like ... like an Italian striker bouncing off the turf after being fouled by a stiff breeze, for example.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.