Brazilian World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Italy in his first game in charge of Portugal should be no cause for alarm.

The last time Scolari had sat on the bench for a competitive game was the World Cup final in Yokohama last year when his Brazil side beat Germany.

But a 62nd-minute goal from Italy striker Bernardo Corradi ensured Scolari's reign with Euro 2004 hosts Portugal got off to a losing start.

"We lost but we shouldn't be worried. I have only been in place for 20 days and we need much more time to build a team. But on the basis of the performance tonight I don't think we need to change too much to get the team right," said Scolari.

"Today everyone did what I asked of them -- they understood what I was demanding from them, which is important. Of course, we need to improve but I was pretty pleased with the performance in many areas," added the Portugal coach.

Scolari introduced a number of young new faces to his squad such as Luis Loureiro, Miguel, Silas and another youngster, Benfica central midfielder Tiago, who was making his second international appearance, gave an impressive display.

The Portugal coach promised he would try out more players from the under-21 squad in future games.

"I made a lot of changes in the second half in order to have a look at some of the younger, new players and in the future I will take a look at some more," said the Brazilian.

Midfielder Rui Costa, part of the older generation, said it would take time for Scolari's impact to be felt and for his team to settle into shape.

"We are at the start of a new project and in a phase of change. There are new, younger players who have come into the side as well as a new coach. We need time to get to know the coach and his way of playing," said the AC Milan midfielder.

"He is a coach who comes to us after winning the World Cup so obviously there is a lot we can learn from him," Rui Costa added.

As Portugal qualify for the 2004 European championship finals automatically as hosts, the team now face a series of friendlies in the next 18 months but Rui Costa said there is no question of the players lacking motivation in those games.

"They are friendlies but they are games with a value and purpose for us, so I don't think there will be a problem of stimulus. Next summer we are the hosts and there is a great desire to do well in that tournament."