Arnhem (Netherlands), June 10: Italy kick off their Euro 2000 campaign here on Sunday against Turkey - and if the form book is anything to go by the azzurri may have to wait another four years for the chance to get their hands on the trophy they last won back in 1968.``Poor Zoff, poor Italy,'' wrote the daily sports newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, after another lacklustre display on their way to the finals had failed to inspire a nation where patience is in short supply.Italy were twice held by minnows Belarus in reaching the tournament and in their second encounter against Denmark - a game in which all they required was a point to guarantee automatic qualification - they gave away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home.Despite possessing some of the world's finest players - Alessandro del Piero, Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, to name a few - the Italians' lack of creativity in midfield has often left them wanting.However, on their day they can beat anyone and should results go their way early on and the team grow in confidence, they can defy their critics.Turkey, in contrast, are on something of a high right now. This will be their second consecutive appearance in the finals, although the first time around they came home early after a disastrous campaign.But the recent success of Turkish champions Galatasaray in the UEFA Cup final over English premiership side Arsenal - albeit on penalties - did wonders for the nation's morale.``It is a victory for all the people in the four corners of the country,'' national coach Mustafa Denizli said after the triumphant Istanbul club returned home to the jubilant masses. ``The players have given a boost to our country.''The Turks have good reason to be optimistic as the majority of the national team earn their wages playing for Galatasaray.Umit Davala operates on the right side of the defence, Sergen and Okan run the midfield and Hakan Sukur and Arif carry a serious threat in attack. Even Denizli himself spent four years in charge of the illustrious hell-dwellers.And Sukur could be the man to cause the Italian defence some serious problems this weekend.Affectionately known as the `Bull of Bosphurus' in his homeland, he is a natural instictive striker who is being touted as the man to replace Argetinian hitman Gabriel Batistuta at Fiorentina, who left for Roma two weeks ago.If the Turks are to progress from the group stages at Euro 2000, Sukur will have to be on top of his game, especially if they are to penetrate an Italian defence not normally known for its generosity on the big stage.Italy v Turkey: Live on DD Sports from 1745 pm
