Euro-'Don't write us off' say Romania players

BUCHAREST, May 22 (Reuters) - Romania players warned World Cup holders Italy and France on Thursday not to underestimate them when they meet at Euro 2008 next month.

Coach Victor Piturca's side face Italy, 2006 World Cup runners-up France and former champions Netherlands in Group C of the European championship in Austria and Switzerland.

"Romania have more of a chance than our opponents give us," defender Razvan Rat told reporters at a training camp in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest.

"Romania have not got as many great players as Italy and France and even the Netherlands, but the force of our group could make the difference if we have some fortune."

Fellow defender Gabriel Tamas was also optimistic and said neither Italy, France or Netherlands would win the tournament.

"There is too much noise around them," Tamas said. "Too many people are expecting success and this could put them under great pressure."

Right back Cosmin Contra, who thought four points could see Romania through to the last eight, was on the same wavelength.

"We'll be back among the best European sides after eight years and we'll do our best to confirm that progress by qualifying from the group stage," he said.

Romania begin their first major tournament since Euro 2000 against France on June 9.

Piturca said he would not yet call up a replacement for midfielder Ovidiu Petre, who misses out on the finals after injuring his knee playing volleyball.

"(Cristian ) Chivu, Mirel Radoi and Paul Codrea are able to play Petre's role. Romania is a strong group and not dependent on one player or another. We always have solutions to a problem," the coach said.

(Editing by Padraic Halpin)