Zurich June 17- It was celebration time for Italy fans as the Azzurri beat FIFA World Cup finalists France 2-0 at the Letzigrund stadium yesterday. The victory coupled with Romania's defeat to the Netherlands has taken Italy to the Euro 2008 quarter finals.
The Romanians had started the match with the Dutch as second in Group C. They would have qualified to the knockout rounds, regardless of the match results in Zürich, if they had beaten the Netherlands. But, fortunately for Italy, Romania lost 0-2 to their rivals. The FIFA World Cup champions grabbed the opportunity to defeat France and emerge runners up of Group C.
A 25th minute penalty by Andrea Pirlo followed by De Rossi's free kick on the 62nd minute gave Italy a lifeline to stay back in the Euro Cup 2008 tournament. France had a good start but, Italy took the lead. Les Bleus suffered a blow when Ribery had to leave the ground on being injured after striking twice. To add to the loss, Italy struck as Pirlo shot the ball into goal right after Eric Abidal got a red card for fouling Italy's Luca Toni.
With two of its dependable players gone and Italy gaining a score, France was reeling. But, Les Bleus did not give up the fight. Thierry Henry tried to strike at the 34th minute and efforts were made by Karim Benzema after half time. Henry's shot went past the post and Benzema's shot was saved by Buffon who also saved two of Henry's shots.
Italy doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when De Rossi made a free-kick that went past French goalkeeper Coupet. The France-Italy match ended with the Azzurri winning 2-0 against France. Though France tried hard, they finished last in Group C. Italy will be facing Group D winners Spain in the Euro 2008 quarter finals.
Final Score France-Italy Match June 17
France 0-2 Italy
Goals
2
Red Card
1-Eric Abidal (France)
Yellow Cards
2-Pirlo, Gattuso (Italy)
