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Euro 2000 Final Lookahead
Posted: Saturday July 01, 2000 01:21 PM
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- A lookahead at Sunday's Euro 2000 final between Italy and France. Italy: Injuries: Defender Paolo Maldini has recovered from a thigh sprain sustained in the quarterfinal and proved his fitness going for 120 minutes in the semifinal against the Dutch. Midfielder Antonio Conte is out of the tournament with an ankle injury sustained in the quarterfinal. Suspensions: Gianluca Zambrotta. Was expelled from the semifinal against the Dutch after receiving two yellow cards within the first 33 minutes. Likely that the defensively minded Gianluca Pessotto will take his place. If not it could give Angelo Di Livio playing time. Worries: The creativity and the solidity of the opponent. The class and passing powers of French playmaker Zinedine Zidane. The speed and versatility of the forward duo of Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. Worry is not to concede an early goal, forcing the team to change tactics midway through the final. Expectations: Italy will go into its defensive shell from kickoff, wait for a rare opportunity to break and pounce if the French defense has an occasional lapse. It will not be worried about not scoring and can wait for a penalty shootout. France : Injuries : Emmanuel Petit is fighting a bout of flu. Suspensions : None. Worries : Breaking down Italy's cast-iron defense will be the main fear. The loss of patience will also be high on the mind of coach Roger Lemerre. One overhasty action could be deadly when the defense is out of place. Expectations : France will come out confident, and impose its game. Key will be the freedom of movement Zidane will be able to create for himself and whether he will be able to send Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka deep.
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