All set for France-Italy World Cup Final!

France vs Italy

The 2006 World Cup trophy goes to either France or Italy. These two European giants face each other in the final at the Olympiastadion of Berlin, on Sunday.

The Italians will have to do without one of their more influential players, as Alessandro Nesta has been out injured since his side's win over the Czech Republic in the group phase. Marco Materazzi is expected to start, together with Zambrotta, Cannavaro and Grosso, defending Gianluigi Buffon's goal. Midfield should consist of Pirlo, Perrotta, Gattuso, Totti and Camoranesi, while Toni should start up front.

The French have no significant injury problems. Barthez is to start in goal and will be assisted by Sagnol, Abidal, Thuram and Gallas in defense. Makelele, Vieira, Malouda, Ribéry and the great Zinedine Zidane are to form the midfield line, while Thierry Henry begins alone in Les Bleus' attack.

Facts:

Italy have reached the World Cup final every twelve years since 1970, when they lost to Brazil. In 1982 the Azzurri beat West Germany and in 1994, a penalty shootout had Brazil come out as winners.

France most recent victory came in 2000, when the team won the European Championships in the Netherlands and Belgium. Interestingly, all three knock-out rounds opponents of 2000, again faced France in this tournament, and in the right order as well.

Spain, then France's opponents in the quarter final, were now defeated in the round of sixteen. Portugal faced France in the semi final in 2000, and just as this year, they lost. In the final, the then reigning World Champions faced Italy, just like now.

Head to head:

These two teams have had 32 previous encounters. Italy won 17 times, France only 7. Although there were four meetings at World Cup's, their most famous appointment was the final at Euro 2000.Italy thought to have secured the victory thanks to a goal from Marco Delvecchio, but Sylvain Wiltord levelled just before full time, for David Trezeguet to score a golden goal in extra time.

Probable line-ups:

Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Grosso, Cannavaro, Materazzi; Gattuso, Camoranesi, Pirlo, Perrotta; Totti; Toni.

France: Barthez; Sagnol, Abidal, Thuram, Gallas; Makelele, Vieira, Malouda, Ribery, Zidane; Henry.