In their final group game, Italy lose 4-1 to France. With both teams having secured passage to the semi-finals with a game to spare and with plenty of players risking suspension, the Azzurrini played with a much-changed side. Italy started well and took the lead through Volpato but France came back to make it 2-1 before the break. Coppola had a chance to level things up after half time but hit the post. France then pulled away, spurred on by top scorer, Rennes forward Tchaouna.

The game. With their ticket to the semi-final already booked and a host of players on the brink of suspension, Nunziata chose to keep his starting XI fresh for the big one. The Azzurrini’s coach made nine changes to the side that beat Slovakia (Coppola and Ambrosini the only two to retain their players. Zacchi started in goal, with a back four of Turricchia, Stivanello, Coppola (captain) and Fontanarosa ahead of him. Degli Innocenti was the holding midfielder, while Terracciano and Fazzini pushed further forward. Baldanzi played behind the two strikers Volpato and Ambrosino.

Italy took the lead through Volpato, who received the ball from Ambrosino, took two steps forward into the box and smashed it past Lienard. France got themselves level in the 23rd minute; Cisse’s wicked effort cannoned off the post and into the back of the net. In the 37th minute, Tchaouna scored to give Les Bleus the lead. The Azzurrini came out from the break look for the equaliser but, in the 50th minute, Coppola hit the post. Tchaouna then put the game to bed with a brilliant solo goal to make it 3-1. Arconte then scored France’s fourth.

“I still need to praise the boys,” Nunziata said, “because it’s not easy to keep up the intensity after making nine changes. They were great but, of course, it’s a shame to have conceded four goals. However, the lads were well in the game until the 70th minute. We spurned many chances and I couldn’t give the boys a hand as we had one player suspended and four cautioned.”

The semi-final will be played on Tuesday 28 June and the Azzurrini will face either England, who are top of Group B and already into the semis, or Israel. Should Israel lose, then Serbia would draw level with them if they win, putting them into contention to qualify.