It’s the Derby of the Alps all over again, except this time both Italy and France know even a win might not be enough to stay in Euro 2008.

The rivalry between these two sides has sky-rocketed over the past few years with France’s Golden Goal victory in the Euro 2000 Final and revenge from the penalty spot in Berlin. They have met twice since that World Cup decider, the Azzurri losing 3-1 in Paris and scraping a 0-0 draw at San Siro.

Both teams still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals, but are equally likely to crash out of the competition. If Romania beat an already-qualified Holland in the other Group C game, then the result in Zurich will be purely academic. However, if the Dutch continue their current form then the winner of this clash will go through to the next phase. Italy have another option, as due to their superior head-to-head record in terms of goals scored, a score draw with France and Romania’s defeat will see Roberto Donadoni through the Group of Death with a grand total of two points.

It’s not quite the situation everyone envisaged when the draw placed France and Italy together for the final match, but Holland have swept both aside with 4-1 and 3-0 scorelines respectively. Romania proved tough nuts to crack too, although the Nazionale can be boosted by a much better performance in Friday’s 1-1 draw. Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo apologised for incorrectly disallowing Luca Toni’s goal, but for all that it was only a Christian Panucci tap-in and late Gianluigi Buffon penalty save from Adrian Mutu that kept them in the competition this far.

It is worrying that Italy’s only goal has been scored by a defender, so Donadoni is tempted to again reshuffle his squad. Having already changed five from the starting XI that lost to Holland, Alessandro Del Piero now finds himself threatened by the on form Antonio Cassano. Alberto Aquilani is also pushing for a midfield spot after Simone Perrotta was fielded in an unusually deep position against Romania. The defence seems to be confirmed now with Panucci and Giorgio Chiellini giving up their usual full-back roles to shore up the central defence between the marauding Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso, the latter facing some of his Olympique Lyonnais teammates.

France boss Raymond Domenech fully lived up to his ‘provocateur’ reputation by musing that “the Romania result is already written” and he might field “the youngsters in this game so they can gain experience.” For all the talk of a futile gesture, he never likes to lose, especially against Italy. “This is like a derby for me now,” grinned the controversial figure.

Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira might be back from injury, though William Gallas is now struggling with an ankle problem. Former Juventus and Parma defender Lilian Thuram admits he had a nightmare against Holland, but is eager to prove he’s still in good shape.

In attack Samir Nasri has been consistently sharp in training and could finally get a start in support of Thierry Henry with both Karim Benzema and Bafetimbi Gomis disappointing so far. If Domenech does indeed go for a younger line-up, then former Under-21 internationals Sidney Govou, Lassana Diarra and the often ignored Manchester United man Patrice Evra could get a look-in.

Key clash: Fabio Grosso v Franck Ribery
It’s a tasty battle down that flank between The Flamingo and Scarface, one that was already seen in 2006. Grosso came out the winner that day and with his current form will be hoping to make it a Double. “Fabio is my great friend, but I am always explaining to my colleagues that they must not let him get to the byeline,” warned goalkeeper and Lyon teammate Gregory Coupet. “We nicknamed him Monsieur Prope (a French Mr Sheen, ndr), as he has a magic left foot and always serves perfectly clean assists. Great scoring opportunities are bound to be sparked from his feet.” With Ribery often France’s strongest attacking threat, it’ll be a real tussle to see them charge up and down that wing covering and pushing in turns.

Italian connection:
There are so many French stars with links to their neighbouring nation, from ex-Juventus figures Lilian Thuram, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Thierry Henry to current Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira and Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey. Even Patrice Evra started his career with Serie C outfit Marsala. Fabio Grosso shared the recent Lyon title with Gregory Coupet, Boumsong, Francois Clerc, Sebastien Squillaci, Jeremy Toulalan, Karim Benzema and Sidney Govou, while Luca Toni celebrated Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga triumph with Franck Ribery and Willy Sagnol.

Did You Know..?
Even with the 2006 victory on penalties, Italy have not beaten France within the 90 minutes since a 2-1 result in the 1978 World Cup. Their latest European Championship encounter was the Euro 2000 Final on July 2, won by David Trezeguet’s Golden Goal. The only survivors from that game are Lilian Thuram, Thierry Henry, Massimo Ambrosini and Alessandro Del Piero.

Referee Lubos Michel was also officiating the most recent meeting, a 0-0 qualifying draw at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The other Group B game was a 3-1 thrashing in Paris, Sidney Govou scoring twice with Thierry Henry and Alberto Gilardino’s lone reply.

Including shoot-outs, the record now stands at 18 Azzurri victories, nine France wins and eight stalemates.

Holland inflicted the heaviest ever European Championship defeat on both these teams in Euro 2008. Italy had never previously lost a tie 3-0 in this tournament, while France were hammered 4-1.

With two games of the competition gone, both World Cup Finalists have an identical record so far – one point, one goal scored and four conceded.

Roberto Donadoni’s men tested out the Letzigrund Stadion in Zurich earlier this year by beating Portugal 3-1 in a 6 February friendly. Luca Toni, Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Quagliarella were on target.
France (probable): Coupet; Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Evra; Ribery, Makelele, Toulalan, Malouda; Nasri, Henry

Italy (probable): Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso; Camoranesi, Pirlo, De Rossi, Aquilani; Cassano, Toni

Ref: Michel (Slk)

Ref From channel4.com

Hakan Yakin’s brace ended Portugal’s 100 per cent record and gave co-hosts Switzerland the opportunity to bow out with a win. The Portuguese didn’t impress, also because they were largely relying on their reserves.

Switzerland had all the motivation needed to do well and save their reputation in front of their fans. Jakob Kuhn kept his favourite 4-4-2 formation but made some changes to the starting XI. Pascal Zuberbuhler took the gloves instead of Diego Benaglio. Experienced defender Ludovic Magnin kept his place alongside Philippe Senderos. Tranquillo Barnetta was left out with Brescia ace Johan Vonlanthen stepping in.

As expected, Luiz Scolari opted for a reshuffle changing eight players out of the starting formation which beat the Czech Republic and Turkey. Ricardo retained his place as did Pepe and Paulo Ferreira. Miguel covered the right-back spot while defender Fernando Meira started as a central midfielder. Starlet Miguel Veloso was also picked while an untested trident formed by Ricardo Quaresma, Helder Postiga and Nani lined up front.

The game started at a decent pace with both teams looking inspired and up for a fight. The Swiss were particularly aggressive and tried to keep it tight at the back, which wasn’t easy against such a fast and talented side such as the Portuguese team.

Quaresma showed all his skills by crossing the ball for Helder Postiga with a rabona, but the striker was offside. Nani also tried to find his way on the right flank but the Manchester United starlet was brought down in the box by Stephan Lichtsteiner – it should have been a penalty.

Switzerland came out of their half with a corner kick and Valon Behrami’s volley was saved by Ricardo. A few minutes later Pepe had a golden chance following a free-kick from Nani which was touched by the defender and then deflected into the bar by ‘keeper Zuberbuhler. Bruno Alves also got a free header but missed his opportunity.

Gokhan Inler scared the Portuguese with a powerful long distance shot, but then Helder Postiga could have brought them ahead on the break when his effort was cleared off the line by Senderos. Yakin was booked shortly after due to a foul just outside the box but the consequent free-kick didn’t create any danger.

Behrami looked in good shape and managed to get past Ferreira, who brought him down with a nasty tackle and was fortunate to only see a yellow card. The Lazio player was carried out injured but then managed to walk back in to the pitch although he was still struggling.

A few minutes later a cross from the right side was headed brilliantly by Yakin forcing Ricardo to make another impressive save. Just before half-time Jorge Riberio stepped in to replace Ferreira, who seemed quite tense and risked a second booking and ban ahead of the quarter-finals.

Nani felt he should have been awarded another penalty when Patrick Muller pulled him by the shirt, but once again the referee didn’t intervene. Then Postiga elbowed Inler, who was bleeding, but it didn’t seem like the striker intended to foul the Udinese midfielder.

Switzerland started the second half with a good attitude creating two chances with Vonlanthen and Inler. But Portugal went incredibly close to taking the lead when Nani received the ball from Veloso and fired onto the right post. Quaresma nearly got himself into trouble when he hit Magnin with his studs and was then denied by Zuberbuhler.

Former Brescia youngster Vonlanthen made way for Tranquillo Barnetta and the Swiss came out with authority. Inler’s terrific effort smacked against the side of the post. The Udinese ace looked in fantastic form tonight. Switzerland were piling the pressure and took the lead with Yakin who managed to beat Ricardo following a lob pass from Eren Derdiyok.

As the local fans were celebrating, Portugal came out strong hoping to rescue themselves from the first defeat in the championship. Hugo Almeida went in for Postiga while Joao Moutinho had replaced Veloso only a couple of minutes earlier. Quaresma could have equalised but wasn’t clinical enough and lost the ball on the edge of the box.

Then just as the game was entering the final minutes, Fernando Meira brought Barnetta down in the box and Yakin had no trouble beating Ricardo from the penalty spot. Yakin was then replaced by Ricardo Cabanas in order to receive a standing ovation from the fans.

Despite losing this game, Portugal ended top of Group A and will be facing the second placed team from Group B in the quarter-finals. Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland are bottom of the group but managed to earn the appreciation of their fans thanks to this final victory in Basel against a team which may end up winning this championship.
Switzerland: Zuberbuhler; Lichtsteiner (Grichting 84), Muller, Senderos, Magnin; Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Vonlanthen (Barnetta 61); Derdiyok, Yakin (Cabanas 86)

Portugal: Ricardo; Miguel, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Ferreira (Ribeiro 42); Meira, Veloso (Joao Moutinho 70), Meireles; Quaresma, Nani; Helder Postiga (Hugo Almeida 74)

Ref: Plautz (Aus)

Ref From channel4.com

One of the most dramatic finales in Euro history saw Turkey progress with captain Nihat’s two goals in the last three minutes to sink the Czechs 3-2! They’ll face Group B winners Croatia in Vienna next Friday.

Turkish Coach Fatih Terim had enough confidence to name his team 24 hours before the game and made several changes, switching to a more attack-minded 4-3-1-2. After starting the last two games with striker Nihat Kahveci playing solo up front, with a midfield place freed by the injured Karadeniz, he included the scorer of the winning goal against the Swiss, Semih Senturk. Midfielder Mehmet Topal also kept his place instead of Tumer Metin, while Emre Gungor took over from Emre Asik. On the other hand, Czech Republic Coach Karel Bruckner opted for just one change to the team that lost 3-1 to Portugal and replaced Milan Baros with Jan Koller.

The match kicked off in a great atmosphere as an early effort came in from the Czechs with Reading’s Marek Matejovsky flashing the ball over the bar. The Czechs started as they meant go on, searching for Jan Koller as Marek Jankulovski’s corner sailed over his and everyone’s else’s head from their first corner.

A purposeful start from the Czechs saw them forcing the Turks back for the first five minutes as Jaroslav Plasil wasted a good opening by firing high. The first yellow card came in the fifth minute for Mehmet Topal as Anderlecht full back Jan Polak, who scored a goal in the qualifiers against San Marino, went down as if he was shot. Ten minutes in and Koller tried to get his head on a Jankulovski free kick in from the left.

With five strung across the Czech midfield the Turks found it hard to reach their opponent’s back four. Brazilian born Mehmet Aurelio became the second Turk to go into the book for a shove on Koller and referee Fröjdfeldt warned Emre Gungor for his over zealous tackling on Koller.

Terim’s team were constantly fouling Koller as they seemed nervous of the big striker as he won every challenge in the air. The Turks tried to hit back as on a breakaway but Tuncay Sanli long range volley did not worry to Petr Cech. Then back up the other end and Matejovsky, who along with Jankulovski had been the Czech’s hardest worker, forced Volkan to make a save low down with a shot from 25 yards.

On 34 minutes Turkish goalkeeper Volkan failed to stop a superb headed goal from Koller. The ball sailed past his right hand, after an exquisite pass from Juve wing-back Zdenek Grygera, following a great run down the right flank.

After the restart Jankulovski’s free kick again found Koller but he failed to keep the ball down after he won another of his personal battles with Servet. The Czechs were frustrating every attack by the Turks with their midfield immediately pressing the red shirts every time the reached the halfway line. It was not pretty but very effective.

Bruckner’s side finished the half strongest but were helped by a poor Turkish performance. With only two midfielders they couldn’t get a grip on the game and each attack broke down before it could develop into anything dangerous.

At the start of the second half Turkish Coach Terim decided to change things round and brought on Galatasaray midfielder Sabri Sarioglu for Senturk and Tuncay moved into the centre.

Two minutes in and Nihat took a free kick but the ball hung in the air and Cech held it easily. Nihat was again in the action as he tried an acrobatic volley with the outside of his right foot but it sailed over the bar. The Villarreal striker was the most persistent performer by a long chalk.

On 52 minutes Topal was replaced by winger Colin Kazim-Richards, the former Sheffield United midfielder now at Fenerbache. The rain continued to blast down in the stadium as play stopped for two minutes while two Turks went down injured. It looked bad for Gungor who was stretchered off.

With Turkish Coach Terim going wild on the sidelines trying to get a sub on, a ball crossed in from Sionko on the right was too much for Volkan and Jaroslav Plasil met it at the far post to double the Czechs advantage.

Eventually Emre Asik came on for Gungor as seconds before Arda Turan was shown the yellow card. The match started to run away from Turkey as the Czechs sat back and started to hit the Turks on the break. Asik was shown a yellow card after another terrible foul on Koller.

20 minutes from the end Polak hit the right post with a right footed blast after a cross from Sionko. The Czechs started to live dangerously and with 15 minutes to go the Turks went up the field and pulled one back after Turan’s right footed shot slipped past Cech, after Hamit Altintop’s perfect cross.

The Turks forced their sixth corner as the Czechs pulled all their players back but it was cleared up field. The Turks forced the ball back up and should have been level but a weak effort from Tuncay went past the post. On 83 minutes the dynamic Sionko went off to be replaced by midfielder Stanislav Vlcek.

With three minutes to go Cech made a wrong decision and the Turks equalised from Nihat’s pass into the net form a few yards out, following a centre from Altintop. The red shirts deserved it and over the last 20 minutes had showed great character and determination to get their just rewards.

A minute later with penalties looking more and more likely, what drama! Nihat again scored. What a turnaround. One of the most remarkable finishes to a game you will ever see, the captain sprung the offside trap to crash a brilliant right-footer over Cech and in off under the bar from 20 yards out.

With just a few minutes to go and now 3-2 to take the drama level even higher Turkey ‘keeper Volkan was sent off for a reaction shove on Koller and Tuncay took over in goal, but he was never tested as Turkey went through. An astonishing end to a dramatic second half.
Turkey: Volkan; Balta, Servet, Emre Gungor (Emre Asik 63), Altintop; Tuncay, Arda, Aurelio, Topal (Kazim-Richards 57); Semih Senturk (Sabri 46), Nihat

Czech Republic: Cech; Grygera, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Jankulovski; Sionko (Vlcek 84), Matejovsky (Jarolim 39), Galasek, Jarolim, Plasil (Kadlec 80); Koller

Ref: Fröjdfeldt (Swe)

Sent off: Volkan 91 (T)

Ref From channel4.com