Courtesy www.uefa.com

Italy take on Ukraine tonight in the final of the 2003 UEFA European Futsal Championship.

Packed arena
Another sell-out 6,000 crowd is expected at Palamaggio in Caserta to see who will follow in the footsteps of past tournament winners Russia (1999) and Spain (2001). Italy, who saw off Spain 2-1 on Saturday, will be aiming to become the first hosts to lift the trophy while Ukraine, semi-final victors against the Czech Republic, are in their second straight final after defeat two years ago in Moscow. The match will be broadcast live on Eurosport from 20.30CET.

Top teams
The eight-team competition has been of the highest quality, with these two sides leading the way as the top teams in their respective groups. Hosts Italy have been resolute in defence, conceding just two goals in winning all three of their Group A games to reach the semi-finals. Ukraine were emphatic qualifiers, including a 17-1 defeat of Cyprus in their mini-tournament. This form was carried into the tournament finals, as the Ukrainians scored seven goals in each of their first two Group B victories before succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against Spain when first place was already assured.

Big names
Both teams have their stars. Italy possess Adriano Foglia, the last-gasp hero in the 1-0 group victory against Russia and the double goalscorer in the semi-final against Spain. Ukraine boast Serhiy Koridze, the imposing forward who has already equalled the haul of seven goals he achieved in Moscow 2001. But neither are one-man teams.

Great goalkeeping
The Italians have two great goalkeepers with Gianfranco Angelini and Marco Ripesi impressing in their previous four matches. Angelini is the larger than life shot-stopper who seems to fill the goal, while Ripesi is an agile performer with great reflexes. Others like Carlos Montovanelli, suspended for the semi-final, Vinicius Bacaro and Andrea Vicentini could also be match-winners.

Swift going forward
Ukraine have tremendous pace on the counterattack, with a propensity to defend from deep and then use the full length of the pitch to launch furious attacks. Captain Olexandr Kosenko has weighed in with some valuable, and spectacular, goals while Igor Moskvychov, Oleskiy Kudlay and Volodymyr Deynega have also caught the eye.

Terrific support
Italy qualified for the tournament as hosts. They have received terrific support throughout but will be well aware that in the previous two official UEFA tournaments the home team has failed to claim the crown.