It was the news every Italian fan and coach Roberto Donadoni was dreading - a tournament-ending injury to a key man before Euro 2008 had got underway.

But that's the reality for the Azzurri, who must deal without inspirational captain and centre-back Fabio Cannavaro after he tore ankle ligaments in training.

It's undoubtedly a huge blow for the World Cup holders and one which they may struggle to overcome having being drawn in the 'Group of Death'.

France, Holland and group outsiders Romania make up the other Group C protagonists, but the Italians still remain favourites to win the group at short-looking football odds of 2.88.

But it might be worth considering a quarter-final line-up with Donadoni's men.

Holland seem to have the knack of squeezing through difficult qualifying groups at major tournaments, while France have the resilience to reach the last eight and then throw in Romania, who took four points from Holland in qualification and topped the group and it really is any two from four to go through.

The bookies fancy France to join the Azzurri in the knock-out phase, and although it would be a brave move to oppose Italy, fortune favours the brave and it might pay dividends to perm the other three sides in dual forecast football bets to reach the quarter-finals.