Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Italy Through

FORZA ITALIA

There was no skullduggery, no conspiracy theories and no underhand tricks last night as Holland beat Romania 2-0, despite MvB making nine changes. Italy beat France by the same score to join Holland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

After France's defeat, Chelsea's midfield talisman Claude Makelele announced his retirement from International Football for the umpteenth time. Lillian Thuram who didn't even make the squad last night also announced his retirement from International Football.

The quarter-final line-up is almost set and looks like this:

Portugal v Germany

Croatia v Turkey

Holland v Runner up Group D either Sweden or Russia

Spain v Italy

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: ITS MAKE OR BREAK

FORZA ITALIA

Tonight sees the climax of Group C, 'the Group of Death,' as Italy battle it out with France, winner takes all to join Holland in the Quarter-Finals.

But will Holland play ball? Will Holland play their strongest team against Romania or will they field a weakened eleven and allow Romania the win and knock out their closest and fiercest rivals in one hit?

But whatever happens in the Italy/France game, a Romanian win will see Mutu and Co in the quarters instead.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Kiss of Death

Forget that Group C is the 'Group of Death,' I AM THE KISS OF DEATH!!

Not only has Italy failed to win a game so far but in every other game that I wanted a team to win - they haven't!!

In yesterday's games Chelsea players past and present had significant contributions. Romania's Adrian Mutu (sacked by Chelsea for testing postitive for cocaine) scored one and missed a penalty. Christian Panucci who was only at Chelsea for 'five' minutes scored Italy's equaliser and gave away the penalty which Mutu missed.

In the Holland v France game Arjen Robben came on as a second-half substitute made one for Van Persie and scored one himself and Florent Malouda, Claude Makelele and Nicolas Anelka were soundly thrashed by the Dutch, 4-1.

As Holland have qualified for the quarter-finals, could they 'let' Romania win on Tuesday therefore regardless of the Italy and France result, BOTH countries will be eliminated!

Just my suspicious mind working overtime.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: Monday's Results

In what probably was the best game of the tournament so far, Holland battered my 'adopted' team Italy 3-0 last night, with goals from Van Nistelrooy (definitely offside), Sneijder and Van Bronckhurst. Had Van der Saar not made a series of fine saves, the scoreline would not look as convincing as it does.


At the other end of the scale France and Romania played out a boring 0-0 draw in what was probably the worst game of the tournament so far.

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: FORZA ITALIA

FORZA ITALIA

Finally my 'adopted' team get to play in the Euro's when they kick off their Group C match against the clog wearers of Holland at 20.45pm (local time).

The WORLD CHAMPIONS are without their captain Cannavaro who has injured his knee whilst plying his trade for Real Madrid on their way to the La Liga title.

Holland's Arjen Robben nicknamed 'Glass Ankles,' when he was at Chelsea, looks like missing all of Holland's group games due to....... yes you've guessed an ankle injury.

If you are reading this and you are English, don't support the Dutch because apparently they don't want our support.

SO STUFF 'EM

FORZA ITALIA

The early game which kicks-off 6pm (local time) is between France and Romania and that is all I have to say about that!!

Your Complete Guide to Euro 2008: FORZA ITALIA

FORZA ITALIA

As England will not be competing in the Euro's which start next Saturday, I am 'throwing my hat' into the ring and will be supporting Italy, the current World Champions.

Being World Champions isn't the only reason why I will be following the Azzuri in Blue.

I just like the Country. Italy's history - the start of the World they say. I have visited Rome and Milan. I like the culture, of the course the women (eheheh) and the football.

So it is Italy for me.

FORZA ITALIA

Italy kick off their campaign on Monday 9th June against Holland in Berne then they play Romania in Zurich on Friday 13th June and their last game in Group C is against France on Tuesday 17th June in Zurich.

Are You McClaren In Disguise?

Yes Fabio. We know. England lost 1-0 to France in Paris at the Stade de France in front of a full house with thousands of England fans travelling to the 'renaissance.' Some renaissance this evening turned out to be.

Beckham wins his 100th cap, Ferdinand loses his first game as England Captain and prior to all of the substitutions - there were FOUR players with England Captain experience on the park during the first half.

Man Utd's Ferdinand

LA Galaxy's Beckham

Chelsea's Terry

Liverpool's Gerrard

The only of goal of the game came from the penalty spot after Anelka was brought down by 'keeper David James and Frank 'don't call me scarface' Ribery scored from the resultant kick.