FRANCE 98 – The Italy team will play their round of sixteen game without Nesta

The ITALY team has finished first in its group (B) after its match against AUSTRIA (match no.33, 2-1 victory). Unfortunately it has lost NESTA (6), whose right knee was seriously hurt in a clash. The team doctor’s diagnosis is: torn cruciate ligaments and an injured meniscus. The World Cup is over for him.

To celebrate their qualification, a huge party has been organised on the terrace of the Château de la Tour (in Gouvieux, north of PARIS). Families which have come to see the match joined the players for a simple yet pleasant dinner. The singer Baglioni, in vogue in ITALY, came to serenade them at dawn, filmed by BAGGIO (11) and CANNAVARO’s (4) ever-present video cameras. The Presidents of the regional clubs were also invited by the Federcalcio staff.

This Wednesday 24 June morning, the team will relax. The training will resume at 17h30 at the Parc des Sports in Senlis (north of PARIS), it will be followed by a press call for the media.