Euro 2008
2008-06-17 - France vs Italy
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
UEFA Euro 2008 - Group C
Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich
Tuesday 17th June 2008 - KO 19:45
France and Italy renew their high-profile rivalry in their final Group C fixture in Zurich with a quarter-final place at stake.
France
France have not gelled at all so far in this tournament, and they look a very disjointed outfit under Raymond Domenech with some superb talent but no real pattern.
Italy
Italy have been better to my eye, even if their results have been almost identical to France, and I've seen more determionation and goal threat from the Azzurri.
One player who has been missed for the Italians is Fabio Cannavaro and the re-arranged backline continues to look less than solid for Italy.
Buffon's penalty save against Romania might just inspire the Italian side to believe that fate gave them one last chance to start getting things right on the pitch.
Head to head
France and Italy have met on 35 previous occasions. Italy have won 17 of these encounters, France only eight.
One of these matches was the Euro 2000 final which was won by France (2-1). David Trezeguet scored the golden goal. and these teams also contested the 2006 World Cup final. After drawing 1-1, Italy won the penalty shoot-out.
France and Italy were also in the same group for qualifying for Euro 2008. France won 3-1 courtesy of goals by Sidney Govou (two) and Thierry Henry. The return, a year later, ended in a 0-0 draw. That match was refereed by Lubos Michel, who has also been appointed for this clash.
Team News
France captain Patrick Vieira is out after admitting that he had not recovered from his thigh injury.
Defender William Gallas missed training on Saturday but is expected to play for France, who must win to progress.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni made five changes before their last game against Romania and also altered the formation following a thumping loss to the Dutch.
There is no news yet about what he is thinking for this match.
The Verdict
There is obviously very little to choose between these two sides, with France holding a recent edge in results, and possibly even talent on the pitch.
But Italy seem to have the better tactical thinking in Donadoni, have have shown more of a goal threat, and I'll give them the edge in a match that both teams simply have to try and win.
