[jveritas]

I greatly hope that Italy wins. So far they played better than the French. If Italy plays with the same brilliance they played against Germany in the semi-final they will beat France.

[Marcaurelio]

I've been watching reruns of the last 10-15 minutes of the match and Italy had relative control of the field. The first goal especially was pure brilliance from playmaker (known as regista in Italy) Pirlo.

I'm rooting for Italy as I have Italian roots, although I must say France has two magnificent players in Zidane and Ribery. Italy needs a good forward (punta) and hope Toni seats this one out.

[jjbrouwer]

'So far they played better than the French.'

You have no understanding of football. I think I have told you this before but it probably didn't sink in. Italy are a poor team, full of cheats and divers.

They have played moderately well in their last two games but were dismal in the ones before that. France, by contrast, are the best team in the tournament. They beat an admittedly bad Brazil team very comfortably and were excellent against Spain.