Pirlo takes the free kick and the ball just passes the bar by inches. Good shot. I think Barthez could be the weak spot in the French defense - more long distance shots could help.

Didn't I just say I cannot see Totti at all? Apparently Italian coach Lippi thought so too. Totti's out, as is Perrotta. In for them Iaquinta and De Rossi. De Rossi gets to play again after his nasty elbow check against US-Boy McBride two weeks ago.

Alou Diarra comes in for Patrick Vieira. Vieira is injured, holding his leg. Can Diarra really replace him in the defensive midfield?

France seems to only have Henry on their mind when attacking thus making it easy for the Italian defense to foresee their play. Said that, Malouda enters the box and falls. Should have been penalty, Zembrotta clearly committed a foul, but ref Elizondo doesn't blow the whistle. Did anyone see Totti at all?

Italy is accumulating chance after chance. Toni just had two in a row. France should be careful. Coming back against Italy is close to impossible.