France 2-1 Italy, 2000 final
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The first final of a major international tournament of the new millennium lived up to its status, as this night in Rotterdam witnessed the most exciting final ever to be played in the tournament’s history.
In a “sharpest sword meeting the strongest shield” encounter, a Zinedine Zidane led France, boasting one of the best attacks throughout Europe were to fight for the honours against one of the best defences of all time in the form Italy’s trio of Maldini, Nesta and Cannavaro.
The first half saw Italy completely shut out France’s attacks, as they managed to contain Zidane and cut out supply lines for the lone frontman Thierry Henry, who was the only Frenchman who looked a threat to the opposition’s defence. The Arsenal striker came the closest to score when he hit the post just 5 minutes after the start of the game.
However, Italy took the lead after 10 minutes into the second half when Marco Delvecchio had to simply tap in a cross from Gianluca Pessoto. France brought on Sylvain Wiltford and David Trezeguet to play with three strikers as Italy looked to defend the lead with all they had.
The substitutions worked wonders as Wiltford equalized in the 93rd minute to force extra time and Robert Pires, who was introduced in the 86th minute, beat three Italians to set up Trezeguet for the Golden clincher to win France this special final.
