France may take a psychological advantage into the final, having beaten the Italians three times in major tournaments since 1986.
Their most recent victory over the Azzurri came in the final of Euro 2000, when Italy were just seconds away from winning before France equalized and David Trezeguet struck a golden goal winner.
Italy have moved on since then. Only two members of the side beaten in Rotterdam -- captain Fabio Cannavaro and Francesco Totti -- are expected to start in today's final at the 69,000-seat Olympic Stadium. France on the other hand will take to the field with five of the side that prevailed in the Netherlands.
Italy have seen their back four breached just once in six matches, due in part to the superb form of their captain Cannavaro.
France's defensive effort has been been similarly hard-nosed, with only two goals conceded so far.
The evergreen Thuram has been outstanding at the heart of the French defense, shielded by Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira.
But no one has been better than Zinedine Zidane; the ultimate goodbye awaits.
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