France – A. Jacquet: “The French team is now confident of its potential”

Comments taken at Clairefontaine :

“We cancelled this morning’s training session as getting back to full fitness is still our main concern. Instead, we had a video session where we took a good look at some of the Italian performances. Medically, the general condition is not too bad, except for Christophe DUGARRY. It seems that the damage to Thierry HENRY’s ankle has not been too bad. We are going to try to bring him back into training with the rest of the squad at this afternoon’s session. There are several factors which will weigh heavily on tomorrow’s match: the fitness and the collective attitude of the team. ITALY has an impressive and tight defence and they carry the threat of devastating attacks. The French team is now confident of its potential and we have a pool of players which means that we can choose between different formations. What we’re concerned about is playing our true game even if our opponent has a more glorious past than we do. We have the means to beat ITALY. I can’t say that this is the most important match for us since I took over as team coach, but it takes on a special dimension because it is the World Cup. For the last couple of days, the FRANCE team has been very focused. We don’t feel too much of the pressure. I can’t have anything but respect for Cesare MALDINI, a man who has made his mark on Italian football”.