European heavyweights Italy and France, who famously squared off in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2006, will once again be seen clashing swords against each other in an international friendly at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, Italy, on Thursday.
The sides may not have met during the Euro 2016 but they both put impressive performance in the prestigious UEFA tournament. While the Azzurri, led by current Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, reached until the quarterfinals of the tournament, where they lost to Germany on penalties, France, led by Didier Deschamps, were defeated by Portugal in the Euro 2016 final.
"The Euros are behind us. My wish is to make use of it, yes, but not for us to focus too much on it," said Deschamps ahead of their friendly match on Thursday. "When we play neighboring countries, such as Germany, Spain and England, there is this healthy rivalry. It will be a glamor game."
David Trezeguet, who was a part of the France lineup during the FIFA World Cup 2006 final, mentioned that a clash between the two European football giants can never be termed a friendly match.
"This match is never a friendly," Trezeguet, the FIFA World Cup winner with France in 2008, told Corriere della Sera. "There's a great rivalry, but also a lot of respect. I predict a draw: this will be a dress rehearsal ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers [starting next week]."
Italy vs France is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 a.m. IST [Friday] (8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. EST) on Sep. 1.
Where to watch live
India: TV, Live streaming: None.
UK: TV, Live streaming: None.
USA: TV: ESPN 3. Live streaming: Watch ESPN.
Italy: TV: RAI Uno.
France: TV: TF1.
