Zambrotta aiming to make amends

Gianluca Zambrotta is grateful that Italy's Group C showdown with France has come around so quickly as he looks to put his error that led to a goal for Romania behind him.

'Head up'
Zambrotta's misplaced back header fell kindly for Adrian Mutu who made the most of his chance to fire Romania ahead at the Letzigrund Stadion in Zurich on Friday. Italy equalised immediately but had to settle for a 1-1 draw that leaves Romania best placed to advance as runners-up from UEFA EURO 2008™'s toughest section. "Mistakes happen in football otherwise there would not be any goals," said Zambrotta, who recently left FC Barcelona for AC Milan. "After making mistakes like the one I did against Romania you think about it for a couple of days but fortunately I have the chance to play again quickly. It's important not to be too depressed about it, to keep your head up and give everything in the following game."

'Open game'
The 31-year-old right-back, who missed the UEFA EURO 2000™ final against France because of suspension but played in the FIFA World Cup triumph against Les Bleus two years ago, is now focused solely on Tuesday's game in Zurich. "The World Cup final is a great memory for us but we have to forget about it because tomorrow's game is the only one which counts right now. For France it will be a chance for revenge, but we are in a unique position so it will be a great, open game."

Focused on France
If the Netherlands beat Romania, a score draw would be enough for Italy to advance, but Zambrotta refused to discuss that possibility. "At the moment this is the game of our lives because if we don't win we will probably be eliminated. We won't think about the game between Romania and the Netherlands because if we don't beat France, it will be very difficult to progress. It will be a very open game because both sides know only victory is good enough."

Cassano chance
Italy's defeat by the Netherlands in their opening game was their first loss to the Dutch since 1978 and omen-seekers might want to note that was also the year the Azzurri last beat France without recourse to penalties. "We don't have to think about numbers and statistics," said Zambrotta. "We only need to go out on the pitch knowing we have to give everything." On the likely inclusion of Antonio Cassano in the side, he added: "He played very well when as a substitute in the previous two games. I don't know if will play from the start or not, I just hope he will lead us to victory."