France v Italy preview

Les Bleus and world champions go head-to-head in Zurich

By James Dall   Last updated: 17th June 2008

Raymond Domenech Roberto Donadoni

Donadoni and Domenech: Decider

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At least one giant will fall on Tuesday evening in Zurich as France and Italy battle out their Euro 2008 futures.

Either Italy or France are guaranteed to depart this summer's tournament prematurely, and both would be knocked out if Romania overcome already-qualified group winners Holland - the so called 'Group of Death' has lived up to its name thus far.

Les Bleus and the Azzurri have done little to inspire in Group C to date, with both sides receiving respective 4-1 and 3-0 hidings from the Dutch, whilst failing to grind down a drilled Romania outfit.

The two international heavyweights are no strangers, with the contest at the Letzigrund Stadion a repeat of the 2006 World Cup final and Euro 2000 final.

Under-fire France coach Raymond Domenech will demand guts and guile from his side against the world champions as they look to advance to the knock-out stages.

Dreams

Domenech told Uefa.com: "This is the kind of game every player dreams of being involved in."

Patrick Vieira will miss out again for the French with a troublesome thigh injury, handing Domenech an even tougher task as he aims to cope without his talismanic captain.

Holding midfielder Lassana Diarra is being tipped to earn his first start of the tournament, while Eric Abidal could come in for Manchester United's Patrice Evra at left-back.

Karim Benzema could also return to the starting XI, with Domenech keen to inject a much-needed spark into his recently lacklustre troops.

Italy boss Roberto Donadoni, meanwhile, has urged his players to give every morsel in their efforts to vanquish the French.

Hearts and souls

"We know what's at stake and we're ready to put our hearts and souls into it," said Donadoni. "For us, this is already a final."

Donadoni is keeping his cards close to his chest over his team selection, but the unpredictable Antonio Cassano is tipped to replace Alessandro Del Piero and partner Luca Toni in attack.

Midfielders Massimo Ambrosini and Gennaro Gattuso are also pressing for recalls as Donadoni looks for the telling combination that could see his side progress.