Italy are mentally stronger than they were during their 2006 World Cup triumph, midfielder Andrea Pirlo said.

Italy face Netherlands in Berne tomorrow in their first Euro 2008 Group C match before going on to play Romania and France.

"Compared with two years ago we are stronger in the head and have a great awareness of our capabilities," Pirlo told reporters at the Azzurri's base south of Vienna.

"Italy have not won the Euros for exactly 40 years, it is a great stimulus. It would be beautiful to take this title home after so much time."

World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has been ruled out of the tournament through injury but Pirlo said Italy still had a good chance of clinching a second major title in a row.

"Italy can do it even if we are without Cannavaro, who is a big loss. We have good alternatives so we are here to do the double like the great German side of the 1970s or France, who first won the 1998 World Cup and then Euro 2000," he said.

Panucci fit

Italy defender Christian Panucci has said he expects to shrug off a knee problem in time for tomorrow's match against Holland. The 35-year-old, expected to be Italy's first choice right-back, tweaked a tendon in his right knee in training on Friday.

"Today it is a bit better even if it is a little swollen. I really think I'll be there," Panucci said yesterday.

"At this moment there is a bit of pain but tomorrow it will be better."