Italy v France: A Head-to-Head

France have beaten Italy in their last three competitive matches. Their games have always been tight, and the last two had to be settled by penalties and a golden goal.

When you trace Italy back to the last time they lost in the world cup in 90 minutes, you would go back to the 2-1 loss in 1986 below. In 1998, there was nothing between the two sides, at least not until Luigi diBaggio blasted his spot kick onto the cross bar. Sure, it was heartbreaking. But not as heartbreaking as what would happen two years later. At the Euro 2000 final, Italy had taken an early lead, and held that lead till the last 30 seconds of the game, when Silvain Wiltord equalised. They went into extra time, and David Trezeguet scored the golden goal. Both strikers are still there, on the bench, and ready to come on late in the game again.

Historically, Sunday looks very good for the blue of le bleus.



1986 World Cup
France 2-1 Italy



1998 World Cup
France 0-0 Italy (France win 4-3 on penalties)



2000 Euro
France 2-1 Italy

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