Gianluigi Buffon has spoken of his pride at wearing the captain’s armband for Italy in what promises to be a hard-fought clash with Holland.

Fabio Cannavaro misses the entire tournament with ankle ligament problems and Alessandro Del Piero is likely to be on the bench, so the goalkeeper leads his team out tonight.

“I am happy, because my debut with the Nazionale was many years ago and it was just a question of time, considering my age,” smiled the Juventus star.

It will be only the third time he has captained his country at senior level. He currently boasts 81 caps since a 1-1 World Cup play-off result in Russia on October 29, 1997.

“Clearly it is sad that Fabio is out of action and his absence is terrible for us in a thousand different ways. Above all he is a reference point for everyone, but those who do play are talented and will certainly be ready.”

Buffon and Cannavaro go way back, as they have been teammates at Parma, Juventus and with Italy.

“With Fabio we just need a glance to understand each other and he is one of the two or three in this group who can really make their leadership skills felt.

“I don’t know if I’ll be the one commanding the defence now. You need to talk only so much in these situations to give the right orders. I think our defence still gives us real guarantees and I feel very relaxed.”

Euro 2008 has played its first four games with Portugal and Germany standing out as early contenders for the trophy.

This afternoon France open Group C by taking on Romania, then at 19.45 UK time Italy face Holland.

“From Saturday we have been sensing the right atmosphere, from the moment they started playing. We are curious to see how ready we are for this appointment. It is very important to get off to a strong start with three points, as we have seen how difficult it can be to begin in stuttering fashion.”

Ref From channel4.com