Buffon: Our performance was the worst in my career with the Azzurri

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Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon dejected after the Netherlands won 3-0 in their Euro 2008 opener

"We apologise to our fans," he said. "We hope that we will react immediately and show our pride in our next game.

"Against Holland we have played the worst game since I joined the national team 12 years ago."

Now the Italians face a very awkward route to qualification as they take on Romania and France, who fought out a goalless draw yesterday.

Italy know they must win against Romania to avoid an early exit before taking on Les Bleus in what could be do or die for both sides.

"Romania proved yet again against France they are a strong team," said Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.

"But the game against Romania has become crucial for us."

Holland star Wesley Sneijder celebrated his 24th birthday by bagging his team's second - in between strikes from Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ruud van Nistelrooy - to give l'Oranje their first triumph against the Azzurri since 1978.

"We played very well and we deserved to win this game," said man-of-the-match Sneijder.

"We played like a team and I think we have done the perfect job.

"It's a long time since we won a game against Italy.

"It is never easy to play and score against Italian opposition and that is why
we are so happy."

Sneijder believes their inspiring performance against the world champions will be a huge morale boost ahead of their own clash with France.

"We don't have time to celebrate this win as on Friday we face France," he added.

"We have to win against France, we have a lot of confidence now so we will see
on Friday."