Denmark v Italy - MATCH REPORT

Italy stifled by dynamic Danes

Italy's tag as one of the favourites for Euro 2004 appeared to be wide of the mark as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Denmark in their opening Group C clash on Monday.

Denmark's goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen (L) catchs the ball after a kick by Italy's forward Alessandro Del Piero (R), 14 June 2004 at Henriques stadium in Guimaraes, during their Euro 2004 group C football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Mladen ANTONOV

The Italians showed glimpses of their quality in a stirring second-half, but overall they struggled to cope with the industrious Danes who had three Serie A players in their starting line-up.

Italy's forward Francesco Totti (L) vies with Denmark's midfielder Christian Poulsen, 14 June 2004 at Henriques stadium in Guimaraes, during their Euro 2004 group C football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Mladen ANTONOV

Both teams had chances to take all three points, but were denied by some superb goalkeeping.

Thomas Sorensen kept out Alessandro Del Piero and then Francesco Totti with a tremendous double save, a feat matched by his counterpart Gianluigi Buffon, who frustrated Jon Dahl Tomasson and Dennis Rommedahl similar interventions.

Tomasson, who won a league winner's medal with AC Milan last season, was booked for diving in the 28th minute before strike partner Ebbe Sand's flicked header almost crept in at the far post.

The Danes' aggressive approach left them exposed at the back a minute from half-time and only Sorensen kept them on level terms, first denying Del Piero before scrambling to his feet to block the rebound from Totti.

Italy's head coach Giovanni Trapattoni reacts, 14 June 2004 at Henriques stadium in Guimaraes, during his team's Euro 2004 group C football match against Denmark at the European Nations championships in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Vincenzo PINTO

Totti's intelligent pass sliced open the Danish defence and put Gianluca Zambrotta through on goal, but the overlapping Juventus wing-back rolled his effort agonisingly wide from eight yards out.

Sorensen had to be alert to tip Christian Vieri's header over the bar as Italy slowly stirred to life, before Buffon rescued the Azzurri with his double stop.

Tomasson could have grabbed a late winner just as he did when the team's last met in a European championship qualifier five years ago, but he failed to connect with Claus Jensen's teasing cross.

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni now needs to improve his side's performance for their second match against Sweden while Denmark face Bulgaria both on Friday.