Thierry Henry says France owe Italy nothing despite ensuring their qualification for Euro 2008.
Domenech has mixed feelings after Italy win
Thierry Henry says France owe Italy nothing despite ensuring their qualification for Euro 2008.
The world champions booked their place in next summer's finals with a dramatic late win over Scotland.
The 2-1 victory also secured France a place in the finals in Austria and Switzerland without even kicking a ball.
But despite the helping hand, former Arsenal striker Henry insists France are not grateful to the Italians.
"Nobody sent us to the European Championships," Henry told French TV channel
TF1.
"I've read comments such as 'grazie mille' (a million thanks). But no, Italy qualified themselves and France qualified themselves."
Experience
France coach Raymond Domenech admitted he was delighted with Christian Panucci's last-gasp winner at Hampden Park, but also felt his side could have learnt from the experience of having to beat Ukraine in their final match on Wednesday.
"We've qualified and that's a relief," he told
www.fff.fr.
"I didn't jump up with joy in the stands at Kaunas and I would have done in Ukraine if we had gained qualification in our last match.
"I'm happy but at the same time a bit disappointed. The match in the Ukraine would have been a good experience for the squad, it would have been like a cup match which would have been a good stepping stone."
