Vieri: I'm so keen to end World Cup pain

Christian Vieri claims Italy are desperate to erase memories of their embarrassing World Cup exit two years ago.

The Internazionale striker is one of seven survivors from the 2-1 defeat by South Korea who will start against Denmark in Guimaraes today.

Vieri said: "We were a strong team in 2002 but luck was not on our side. However, I feel we have improved a great deal in the last two years. We have more experience and have matured a lot.

"There is a real determination and a desire to do well here and the squad are charged up. None of us have won anything with the national team and that is motivating everybody. We have prepared well and feel we have as good a chance as anyone to do well."

Vieri's season at Inter was disrupted by injury problems but he still managed 13 goals in Serie A last term.

He added: "I feel good and can't wait to get started. We have been training solidly for the past three weeks and physically I feel fine."