The Azzurri still are still in contention for qualification, but things are getting more complicated as a victory against France alone will not be enough for them to qualify. With the Dutch again demolishing World Cup Runners-up France 4-1, they are ensured top spot in the group. For the Azzurri, or maybe the French to qualify from the group of death, they need the Dutch to at lease draw the game against Romania.

But the Azzurri can take comfort from the words of the Dutch coach Marco van Basten, who said that his team has the obligation to the players and fans, to play well against Romania, though he has not ruled out rotating the squad.

Based on the game against Romania, the Azzurri is capable of breaking the French defense, but whether their own defense can hold against Thierry Henry & Co. is a big doubt. For the game against Romania, the Romanians were given the license to run around freely. The Azzurri’s game plan did not include putting pressure on the Romanian’s play, instead let them run freely, which threatened the Italian defense on many occasions, but thanks to Buffon, the Azzurri can still hope.

On the attacking play, I believe this is one of the most attacking display the Azzurri has ever performed, though the result proved that all their nice approach plays prior to the last shot were wasted. The best players are certainly Fabio Grosso and Gianluca Zambrotta, who work tirelessly up  and down the flanks. The Azzurri should keep the pair against France.

As for the central defensive pairing, Giorgio Chellini Christian Panucci proved himself to be more alert than Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli, though the defense still look uncertain at times. With no better options around, both players should also keep their places against France.

In midfield, the Azzurri played well, though Perotta could have been better when give the chance to score by Toni. The midfield need to change against France, and Gattuso should be there to cover some defensive jobs. So Perotta should be dropped, since he had not much an impact against Romania. Gattuso on the right, Pirlo at the center and De Rossi on the left.

On the attack, Toni, Del Piero and Camoranesi should start. Del Piero had failed to match the responsibilities to inspire the team, but nonetheless he still had a decent game. Let;s hope the Azzurri beat France! Forza Italia!