Egypt, Elsewedy review progress on Ain Sokhna phosphate complex    US employment cost index 3.6% up in year to June 2025    Egypt welcomes Canada, Malta's decision to recognise Palestinian state    Pakistan says successfully concluded 'landmark trade deal' with US    Sterling set for sharpest monthly drop since 2022    Egypt, Brazil sign deal to boost pharmaceutical cooperation    Modon Holding posts AED 2.1bn net profit in H1 2025    Egypt's Electricity Ministry says new power cable for Giza area operational    Egypt's Al-Sisi, Italian defence minister discuss Gaza, security cooperation    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, Nile dam with US senators    Aid airdrops intensify as famine deepens in Gaza amid mounting international criticism    Egypt exports first high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan after opening market    Health minister showcases AI's impact on healthcare at Huawei Cloud Summit    On anti-trafficking day, Egypt's PM calls fight a 'moral and humanitarian duty'    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



France make their point at San Siro
Published in FilGoal on 09 - 09 - 2007

One point was enough to push France closer to reach Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland as they held Italy to a goalless draw at the San Siro on Saturday.
France, who lost to Italy on penalties in the final game of the World Cup last year, are in charge of Group B 19 points, one ahead of second-placed Scotland, who beat Lithuania 3-0.
The World champions are third with 17 points.
The home crowd whistled during France's national anthem, in reply to the bizarre comments made by Les Bleus manager Raymond Domenech and defender Lassana Diarra before the match.
Domenech accused Italy of bribing the referee of an Under-21 qualifying match for the 2000 Olympics between France and the Azzurri. He was consequently ordered to watch the encounter from the stands.
Arsenal newly-signed defender Diarra said Italy have a reputation of cheats and provokers.
The comments were enough to raise the tensions and the rivalry between both sides.
The first-half witnessed a far from entertaining football as both teams deployed a cautious strategy.
Fabio Cannavaro had the first chance for Italy after 14 minutes when he slipped in front of Eric Abidal to receive Andrea Pirlo's corner at the far post but his poor shot from an uncomfortable position hit the side netting.
Alessandro Del Piero was released by Mauro Camoranesi's through pass in the 33rd minute but his weak shot was easily handled by France keeper Mickael Landreau.
One minute later, Filippo Inzaghi's powerful shot from inside the area was denied by the bar.
Two minutes before the break, Nicolas Anelka laid off the ball to Florent Malouda on the edge of the area but the Chelsea man's shot was within the reach of Gianluigi Buffon.
Camoranesi dribbled past three defenders five minutes after re-start and unleashed a powerful drive that was tipped over by Landreau.
France's best chance came in the 52nd minute when Anelka went clear on goal but Buffon rushed out to block his effort.
Simone Perrotta and Cristiano Lucarelli were introduced instead of Camoranesi and Inzaghi respectively but weren't effective in helping Italy score a precious goal.


Clic here to read the story from its source.