Trap happy to avoid Portugal and France

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni breathed a sigh of relief after avoiding holders France and hosts Portugal in the Euro 2004 draw.

Italy were drawn in Group C against Sweden, Bulgaria and Denmark for next summer's championships.

"For us it was important to avoid France and Portugal - psychologically its a small advantage," said the Italy boss, known affectionately as Trap.

"On paper we are favourites (to win the group), but I say on paper because on the pitch things can turn out differently."

Denmark won the trophy in 1992 but have struggled to make an impact since their surprise triumph, while Italy defeated Bulgaria on their way to the 1994 World Cup final in the USA which they lost on penalties to Brazil.

Trapattoni, who took over as national coach in 2000, said Group D, which includes Germany, Holland and the Czech Republic, was the toughest and predicted that France and England would qualify from Group B.

AC Milan's Danish defender Martin Laursen said he was relishing the prospect of facing some of his Serie A team-mates next summer.

"We have to show we are strong. I believe we have a great squad and we recently showed that at Old Trafford when we beat England, which is by no means easy," he said.

"I believe we can go through from the group with Italy. Without a doubt, playing Italy will be our toughest test but it will be great to face them."

The finals will be staged between June 12 and July 4. The matches will take place in Porto, Leiria, Aviero, Coimbra, Guimaraes, Faro, Braga and Lisbon.