Van Nistelrooy urges caution against world champions

The Dutch cannot afford to go on all out attack against world champions Italy in their Euro 2008 Group C opener next Monday insisted striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in an interview with Dutch magazine Sportweek.

The Real Madrid star's opinions run contrary to the offensive minded strategy of coach Marco van Basten, with whom he has rebuilt his bridges following a serious falling out at the 2006 World Cup when van Nistelrooy was benched for the last 16 match with Portugal.

However, van Nistelrooy said the Dutch could live out a nightmare scenario against the Italians.

“We devote all our energy to attack, they defend at 0-0. Then, they score in the 80th minute and say +arrivederci+. That just must not happen.

“I am all for attacking, but we mustn't take too much of a risk.”

The Dutch have come in for criticism lately that their defence was lacking in quality in the warm-up matches.

If true that could spell disaster for the Dutch given they are in the 'Group of Death', for aside from Italy, there lies in wait 2006 World Cup finalists France and dark horses Romania.