Euro 2008 Round-up: Italy will be hoping to mark their World Cup success in July by giving their fans more to celebrate in their opening Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania in Naples today.
New coach Roberto Donadoni has the majority of his World Cup winning team available for the Group B game and will be keen not to make any mistakes - especially as they face France in a quick repeat of the World Cup final in their second qualifier in Paris next Wednesday.
France midfielder Claude Makelele has been included in the starting line-up for their qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi today. Makelele, recalled against his will last week, will partner Patrick Vieira according to coach Raymond Domenech yesterday.
Scotland face the Faroe Islands at Celtic Park today with Everton defender David Weir, who wins his 49th cap, captaining the side. Manager Walter Smith said: "The fans always get behind us and I would hope they will continue to do that."
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez says it is vital for his side to get off to a winning start against Iceland at Windsor Park today. With a match to follow against Spain four days later, Sanchez is aware how important the opening game is.
"The fans will expect us to win and if we're going to do anything (in the group) we should do," he said. "Then we face Spain and it is one of those games where anything gained in that match will be considered a bonus."
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