Even though the toughness of the clash was anticipated before the competition, but few people thought that the 2006 World Cup finalists would be staring elimination in the face.

A win for either team will mean nothing if Romania got three points from a second-string Holland team in Berne.

Head-to-head:

France win: 8

Italy win: 17

Draw: 10

France

"This is the kind of game every player dreams of being involved in," France coach Raymond Domenech said.

"We know what's at stake and we're ready to put our hearts and souls into it. For us, this is already a final."

Team News: France still have to do without skipper Patrick Vieira, who is yet to recover from a thigh problem.

Probable Line-up: Coupet- Evra, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas- Makelele, Toulalan, Malouda, Ribery- Govou, Henry.

Italy

"It's just like any other game. It's an important game, but playing France is no different to playing the Netherlands or Romania," said Roberto Donadoni.

"Both sides will be extremely motivated and will try to win. It should be exciting. I can't wait for the game to start."

Team News: Donadoni has no injury concerns, but is likely to make some changes to the side that drew with Romania.

Andrea Pirlo rejected reports claiming that he will be axed from the starting line-up, whilst Gennaro Gattuso is pushing for a start.

Antonio Cassano is tipped for a start at the expense of Alessandro Del Piero.

Probable Line-up: Buffon- Zambrotta, Grosso, Panucci, Chiellini- De Rossi, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Perrotta- Cassano, Toni.