Yes, I suspect Italy will win.

France will have to step up their performance if they are going to contain that Italian team - Italy seem a little short on pace but they have plenty of technical skill, and are very strong defensively.

France will need Zidane, Vieira, Makelele and Ribery on absolute top form, Barthez can't make any clangers - but if the midfield sufficiently protects a (very strong) French defence and the French have the courage to take the game to Italy, as they did very effectively against Brazil, France might just pull it off.

Here's hoping France do it, anyway ...

Posted By: Ottosson Foxtrot, Jul 6, 11:02:07