HOLLAND THRASH THE HOLDERS!

World cup holders Italy began their Euro 2008 campaign dismally, losing 3:0 to Holland in Basle. The Dutch played well, fending off Italian attacks and doing well on the counter attacks. The Italian team started well and Holland struggled to contain them, but on 26 minutes a refereeing error allowed the Dutch to take the lead. 5 minutes later Wesley Sneijder of Real Madrid beat Buffon with a volley to give Holland a second goal. After that Italy strengthened considerably and until 60 minutes when they started to fade. Finally, on 79 minutes a cross from the left by Dirk Kuyt was headed in by van Bronckhorst. Italy had their chances and Luca Toni should have scored when one on one with van de Sar and Pirlo's free kick tested the Dutch keeper but in the end Holland recorded a deserved victory.