BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Italian chef de mission Raffaele Pagnozzi said here on Wednesday that it was a challenge for Italy to repeat its Athens' performance four years ago at the Beijing Games.

    "It's very difficult, because the competition in Beijing would become much more fierce," said Pagnozzi after the flag-raising ceremony at the Olympic Village.

    "In Athens, we got 32 medals in total. But in Beijing, as the contest between U.S. and China will be very tough, it was thus harder for us to grab 30 medals. But we will try to do that," he said.

    According to Pagnozzi, the "Blues" team keeps 347 athletes, who will fight for gold chance in fencing, cycling, boxing, canoeing and gymnastics, which are all Azzurri's favorite at the Summer Games.

    Having attended three Olympics, Pagnozzi said Beijing's Olympic Village is the best.

    "It was no doubt the best in Olympic history. Peoples here are very hospitable and our athteles can rest very well to store up their strength and energy," added Pagnozzi.

    Italy grabbed 10 golds, 11 silvers and 11 bronzes, finishing in eighth place on the medal table in Athens.