Van Persie fitness improves

Robin van Persie is still short of fitness ahead of Netherlands' Euro 2008 opener against Italy next week, coach Marco van Basten told reporters this morning.

"Robin is improving and that satisfies me," said Van Basten.

"But it is logical that he has to make up lost ground concerning his condition."

Forward Van Persie, who missed much of last season with his club Arsenal through injuries, trained alone for two weeks before joining squad sessions this week.

He has told reporters that although he could appear against Italy, the full match might prove too much for him.

But Van Basten refused to divulge details of his tactical plan or starting line-up for the match against Italy.

"We are practising for several scenarios," he said.