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08.09.2007 11:06
Italy v France: Four Barça players in search of lead
David Puig
France and Italy meet today with the top spot at stake in Group B of the Euro 2008 qualifying competition. Zambrotta, for Italy, and Henry, Thuram and Abidal, for France, will all be playing in what has become a classic of world football.
Four FC Barcelona players will be appearing at the emblematic Giuseppe Meazza in what looks like the most interesting game of the day, and which will be a repeat of the World Cup final last summer, won that day by the Italians on penalties.
Regular starters
The four Barça players appearing in tonight’s game are all regular members of their national starting elevens. Zambrotta is one the ever-presents in Roberto Donadoni’s die while Henry, Thuram and Abidal are core members of the side managed by Raymond Doménech, who will not be on the bench tonight through suspension. All of the players are fully fit and ready to deliver.
Double motivation for Henry
Striker Thierry Henry has added motivation tonight as he is chasing the all-time goalscoring record for France. He is currently just one goal shy of the great Michael Platini, who is now president of UEFA.
France gain revenge
The last time these teams met was on September 6, 2006 in Paris, also in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
France won 3-1 that day with two goals from Govou and one from Henry. Milan, midfielder Andrea
Pirlo scored Italy’s only goal. All four of the current Barça players featured in that match,
the first meeting between the sides since they met in the World Cup final.
