Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio deserves to be likened to Marco Tardelli.

Marchisio scored in the opening minute against Serbia, earning further comparisons with legend Tardelli.

"Without doubt he resembles Tardelli," noted Prandelli. "Claudio has great power, has defined himself in his role and what's more has a very valuable quality for a midfielder - he can sense the penalty area. Marchisio has broken through now."

Italy are already in the Euro 2012 finals and Dejan Stankovic suggested they were among the top three in the world.

"I only hope he's not wrong. Germany, Spain and Holland are the favourites, but the European Championship often brings up surprises. We're taking it one step at a time."