France vs Italy Match preview

EURO 2008 Group C: France vs Italy

Although they were considered favourites in group C, Italy and France could already on Tuesday night pack their suitcases and head back home. Nothing is up to them anymore, both sides have taken a point and even if Romania win Netherlands who are playing for honour, Les Blues and Azzurri will continue to watch the competition from the stands. There are no easy rivals in the so-called “death group” but no one hoped that Netherlands could beat both great rivals and practically get the entire job done after only two matches. This saw France and Italy face their worst nightmare: they are about to play a knock-out match already in the first stage. A lot has been said about the rivalry between these two sides. It all started with World Cup finals in Berlin and continued through EURO 2008 qualifications. At one time this rivalry even crossed some boundaries as in the case when Italian fans booed La Marseillaise in Milan. France boss, Domenech added insult to injury by accusing Azzurri of cheating and fixing games, after which he faced a furious burst of Italian media. But, it should all be put aside now, both sides are aware that the most important thing is to remain calm and that they must win. There are several other options which would see Italy qualify in case of a draw (the condition is , of course, that Romania lose to Netherlands) but as for France only a victory will do. There are a lot of combinations but judging by what these two big squads have shown so far, we shouldn’t expect a spectacular game. The fear of making a mistake is definitely present and it is not difficult to suppose the reactions if Italy or France get eliminated in this stage.

Donadoni seems to have lost his compass

Italian coach whose post is shaky (media at the Apennines are already speculating that it has been arranged for Lippi to get back on the head of the national squad) will probably shuffle his cards again. The game against Romania also showed that he hasn't got any solutions for the attack since the materialization is low. According to some options, even Pirlo will lose his post although he was the man of the game against Romania. Actually, Milan’s and national squad's creator of the play is not strong enough, so Donadoni is afraid that Les Blues aggressive play might come down on him. The public demands that Cassano should play and to be closer to the net which probably means that Juventus captain, Del Piero will again be on the bench. There are more combinations, the coach has dilemma about whether to field Camoranesi who hasn’t showed anything or Di Natale who was on the bench against Romania. Donadoni, himself seems clueless and without any notion about what he should do at the moment. Buffon rescued him against Romania by saving a penalty, but though Italians are angry about the referees about Luca Toni's disallowed goal, they were clearly much weaker than two years ago. It all started with Cannavaro’s injury who they can’t replace. The squad seem worn out at times and relying on the good second half against Netherlands or chances created against Romania won't help them. The nation is a bit hysterical because of the referee decisions; they are even pressuring Van Basten now because of the fact that he will probably rest the key players against Romania. The players are protected but all the fury, in case Italy get eliminated will be vented on them and coach Donadoni.

Domenech announces new revolution

Just like his rival colleague, France boss still hasn’t found the best line-up, so he makes combinations in panic announcing a new revolution for the duel against Italy. He is relieved by Vieira’s return; now he must decide about some older generation players who might play their last international match on Tuesday. The public considers the squad old that so-called “senators” are ready to leave the national squad. The question is if the coach will have the courage to take some drastic measures for this game. Some trainings indicate that he is thinking about giving a chance to Diara instead of tired and uninspired right winger Sagnol and also about pushing Abidal from the left side to the midfield instead of Thuram. Also, Benzema who in the first game against Romania was under the impression of his big competition debut will most likely be back on the pitch after having spent the match against Netherlands on the bench. Domenech blamed defense for the defeat by Netherlands; actually they have made many naïve mistakes, not only with the first goal when Kyut outjumped the defense but also later on when Netherlands counterattacked. Coach is seeing the bright side and claims that there is progress in the attack. France did play good in the first half an hour of the second half, got robbed of a penalty but Italy can say the same. The final score is what counts and it was devastating for both of these sides. We get the impression that Les Blues, have no player except Ribery, capable of taking responsibility. Henry did score a goal against Netherlands but his moving or speed wasn't impressive. Vieira is expected to add aggressiveness and steady passes in the midfield but he cannot do it all on his own.

Tradition

TOTAL OF 35 GAMES – 17 Italy wins, 10 draws, 8 France win

15 GAMES IN FRANCE – 3 France wins, 7 draws, 5 Italy wins

TOTAL OF 15 GAMES – 10 Italy wins, 3 draws, 2 France wins

5 MATCHES ON NEUTRAL GROUND – 3 France wins, 2 Italy wins

EURO 2000 – France vs. Italy 2:1

Betting Verdict

Tradition is on Italian side but this doesn’t mean a thing. We have mostly seen big fights in big competitions. David Trezeguet's golden goal saw France win Italy in the finals and take the European crown eight years ago, but Italy fought back in 2006. in Berlin winning with a penalty. We won’t talk about history; these are clearly perhaps the best two squads in Europe that are not playing well. As wee see it, neither Donadoni nor Domenech have rose to the occasion or lived up to the expectations of their nations, so if Romania win Netherlands in group C second match, perhaps it would be fair to see them both get back home after the first round. We shouldn’t expect a spectacle; these two sides respect each other and no one will be ready to attack. We are in for a tough fight in the midfield; Vieira and Makelele will try to stop Azzurri action by exerting pressure. If Pirlo really stays on the bench and Donadoni fields De Rossi, Gattuso and Ambrosini than it is clear that we will see a chess game where each side will wait for the rivals' mistake. We thought that France have a better back line, however Netherlands reassured us. Italy have also scored only one goal in two matches so their praised attack doesn’t give reasons for optimism either. It is hard to make a decision here, since neither of the sides will take chances. Also under 2.5 goals could be a good choice, because the odds are better than expected, 1.75 at Expekt.

Team news : Both teams are complete but Domenech and Donadoni will change some players again. Still Vieira isnt ready yet for France.
Here are expected line ups :

France (4 - 4 - 2)

Coupet
Clerc, Thuram, Gallas, Evra
Govou, Toulalan, Makelele, Ribery
Benzema, Henry

Italy (4 - 3 - 1 - 2)

Buffon
Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso
Gattuso, De Rossi, Pirlo
Perrotta
Cassano, Toni

Our tip: Bet 5 on Draw at halftime
Odds 2.3 at
Bookmaker: Bet365