Big trio in tough Euro 2008 group
World Champions Italy have been drawn in the same group as France and Holland for the European Championship finals next summer in Austria and Switzerland.
The draw is based on European qualifying so the Italians will play France in a repeat of the World Cup final in the last Group C game.
Switzerland will face the Czech Republic in the opening match of the tournament on 7 June in Basle.
Reigning champions Greece will play Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.
France coach Raymond Domenech had complained of the seeding system before the draw and he will now have a tough task to get through to the knock-out stages.
Group C also features Romania who qualified ahead of the Holland.
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic was happy to receive a favourable draw despite the prospect of facing Germany in Group B.
The Croats will also play co-hosts Austria and Poland.
Fellow hosts Switzerland have to contend with Portugal and Turkey, as well as the Czechs, in Group A.
Full Groups:
Group A:
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Portugal
Turkey
Group B:
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland
Group C:
Holland
Italy
Romania
France
Group D:
Greece
Sweden
Spain
Russia
