EURO 2000: Italy ready to turn tables on France

July 1st, 2000
SportsServer

GEEL, Belgium - Italy may not be favorites for Sunday's Euro 2000 final against World Cup holders France - but Dino Zoff's men are convinced they can take their revenge in Rotterdam.

France knocked Cesare Maldini's Italy out of the World Cup quarterfinals after winning a penalty shoot-out at St Denis two years ago.

The French are now widely expected to repeat the feat, albeit without the need for spot-kicks, when the two sides meet at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium.

But a string of Italian players finished training here on Saturday evening convinced that things will turn their way, despite the quality in depth of the French squad.

Italy's midfield revelation Stefano Fiore said: "It's a European championship final and they've got extraordinary players.

"But we're convinced that we can have our say, because we've got a really good team and we've got great morale as a group."

Alessandro Del Piero also played down the French side, saying: "In 1998, they were better technically and individually than us. But now we are equal."

His rival for a place up front, Francesco Totti, dismissed the physical effects of Thursday night's marathon semifinal with Holland, saying: "We're not tired at all. We're in good shape - and tomorrow we're going to show it."

The only note of caution came from goalkeeper Francesco Toldo, the hero of their semifinal penalty shoot-out with the Dutch.

"They've got truly great players," he said. "They've an attack which is just incredible - Thierry Henry is a very gifted player and he's on form. And we all know (Zinedine) Zidane well.

"We're going to have to be very careful."
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