Italy omit Del Piero, Dutch drop Heitinga

Italy left out striker Alessandro Del Piero as expected for their tournament opener against Netherlands today. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon therefore captains the world champions, who named Massimo Ambrosini in midfield instead of Daniele De Rossi.

Italy left out striker Alessandro Del Piero as expected for their tournament opener against Netherlands today.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon therefore captains the world champions, who named Massimo Ambrosini in midfield instead of Daniele De Rossi. Seven players who began the World Cup final were in the starting lineup.

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten made two surprise selections with defender Khalid Boulahrouz coming in for John Heitinga in the centre of defence and Andre Ooijer replacing Mario Melchiot at right back.

Midfielder Nigel de Jong got the nod over Demy de Zeeuw as one of the two holding midfielders.

Forward Robin van Persie was left on the bench as expected because he is still short of full fitness. Like Italy, the Dutch were being skippered by their goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar.

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