Preview: Italy vs France

Gli Azzurri Vs Le Bleu

Stadio: San Siro

Ore: 20:30

Italy will take on France tonight at the San Siro stadium in what has been a heated build up between the two teams. The French have once again made controversial comments about the Italians stating they are match-fixers and cheaters, while the Azzurri have remained calm and focused on the goal. FIGC in fact have applauded the Azzurri and Donadoni for being so quite about the whole situation with Pippo Inzaghi saying that they will let the football do the talking:" The real battle is with France. They've spoken so much, and we intend to reply on the pitch"

The Azzurri are more determined to go to the San Siro and win and Donadoni is taking nothing less from his players:"A loss? No, to win." The rivalry between last year's two World Cup finalists is one of strong emotion which has seen it go on for years. And last year's final saw the rivalry grow even stronger as the Italian grew to hate Zidane more and the french with Materazzi after the famous headbutting incident. Neither of the two will play today as Zidane has retired from football while Materazzi is nursing an injury that will see him sidelined until December.

There has been many speculations who will start for the Azzurri tonight as both Del Piero and Toni were added into the team but both are carrying injuries that could see them left out of tonight's game. Tests on Toni yesterday, have shown that he won't be able to play tonight and has a much better chance of playing on Wednesday against Ukraine. While Del Piero will undergo tests later today to see whether he is fit or not. Pippo Inzaghi is expected to start upfront.

France, too, have their own injury problems as Gallas won't feature due to muscular problems, while French Captain Vieira is expected to return even if Inter aren't too keen on him playing. Raymond Domenech will not be sitting on the bench either as he will be up in the stands due to his serving a suspension after misconduct.

This game will have to rustle up all the nerve and passion from the Azzurri, it isn't just a qualifying game, it is a final! The players will have to concentrate harder than ever and believe they can do this. Players like Gattuso and De Rossi's grit and passion is needed more than ever.

Who knows how it will end. Who will be the hero for Italy? Which French player will write their name into the grass of the magnificent San Siro? Only time will tell.

FORZA AZZURRI!!!