Euro 2008: France Vs Italy Match Preview

France Vs Italy Live Streaming
Euro 2008 Live Online
UEFA EURO 2008 GROUP C
Date: Tue 17th June
Kick off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich
Watch Euro 2008 Highlights: France Vs Italy Highlights

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France Vs Italy Match Preview

France were without their captain Patrick Viera for their first two group games and he could be set to return for the final group game against Italy today. Viera has struggled with a thigh problem but he seems to have recovered and is fit to play against Italy. France defender William Gallas was absent from the France training session on Saturday but he is an almost certain starter against Italy.

Roberto Donadoni made no fewer than 5 changes to his starting line up against Romania after losing 3-0 to Holland and although they could only manage a draw against the Romanians the improvements were definitely there. Donadoni is expected to go with something similar to the team that played Romania against France but he does have a fully fit squad to make his selection from so their could be even more changes for Italy.

With France, Italy and Romania all battling for that 2nd quarter final spot from Group C the sequences and mathematics for qualification have all gotten rather complicated. Bear with us and we'll try to get it across to you as simply as possible.

Here goes... Italy can qualify for the quarter finals with a draw against France if Holland beat Romania. A score draw with France and a Holland victory against Romania will see Italy through while a 0-0 draw with France will require Romania losing to Holland at least 3-0. However if Romania beat Holland then neither France or Italy can qualify no matter what the score. Got that?

For France it is a bit more simple. They simply HAVE to win to have any chance of making the Euro 2008 quarter finals. A win for France and a Romania defeat to Holland will see them qualify while a win against Italy and a Romania draw with Holland will also see them reach the quarter finals. There! That is all that explained for you, phew!

France Vs Italy - LoveFooty.net Prediction

Before Euro 2008 started i don't think anyone predicted that France and Italy would be lagging behind and fighting it out with each other in the last group game for an outside chance of reaching the quarter finals. Neither side have been great so far, far from it but lets not forget what these two nations are capable of. They both have bundles of quality in all areas of the park and can be dangerous should they get their act together but so far it is their attack that has let them down. France especially. They have run completely out of ideas in their first two matches and have never really looked like causing anyone serious problems. Italy showed improvements in their last match and i am expecting them to further that today against France. After Buffon saved the penalty against Romania you could see what it meant to the Italy players, they went berserk afterwards and that sort of will to win and determination is something that France have lacked so far. I think that will be the deciding factor in today's match and my money is on Italy to win today. My prediction... France 0 - Italy 2.