Italy and France renew their heated rivalry today, and scandal has already surfaced before the anticipated high drama on the field.
Outspoken France coach Raymond Domenech was suspended for the European Championship qualifier at Milan's San Siro stadium for accusing Italy of fixing an Olympic qualifying match eight years ago. The anti-France fervor in Italy's camp only increased when Les Blues midfielder Lassana Diarra called the Azzurri "provokers."
"The hype surrounding this game doesn't surprise me. The memory of July 9 is still within all of us," Italy forward Alessandro Del Piero said, recalling the date last year when Italy beat France on penalties in the World Cup final.
PHOTO: AFP
In an interview published on Aug. 9 in Le Parisien, Domenech was quoted as saying there had been a "bought referee" for a match between France's youth squad -- which he coached -- and Italy during a qualifier for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
"I've rarely been so ripped off," Domenech was quoted as saying. "When you get fooled once, there's always a doubt [afterward]. There are arrangements in Italian soccer."
After the ban was upheld on appeal, Domenech stood by his words.
PHOTO: AFP
"I said what I thought I had to say," he said.
France beat Italy 3-1 at home a year ago -- two months after the World Cup -- and leads Group B of Euro 2008 qualifying with 18 points. Italy is next with 16 points, followed by Scotland with 15 and Ukraine with 12.
"There's tension and plenty of motivation -- starting with the importance of getting three points," Del Piero said. "We're not letting ourselves get distracted, although these accusations -- which are pretty much daily -- do bother us."
With Luca Toni injured, Del Piero could start in Italy's attack. Filippo Inzaghi is likely to spearhead the Azzurri lineup if Toni doesn't play.
Toni underwent an MRI on Thursday and team physician Andrea Ferretti said the situation had "improved."
"Tomorrow we will make a definitive decision," Ferretti said. "Personally, I'm optimistic -- on principle."
Meanwhile, France forward Thierry Henry will aim to match Michel Platini's national scoring record. With 40 goals, Henry needs only one more to equal the current UEFA president.
France is worried about a problem with captain Patrick Vieira's thigh. The bigger problem might be Domenech's absence from the sideline.
Domenech was asked how he would communicate with his squad.
"I could send text messages, but I don't know how it works," he said jokingly, adding that he would use "telepathy."
Assistant coach Pierre Mankowski will stand in for Domenech.
"Pierre is there in training, he knows us well and knows what needs to be done. He will take the coach's place," Diarra said.
Also missing will be Italy defender Marco Materazzi, who is recovering from thigh surgery.
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