Last look for U-21 finalists

Italy and France meet in Como tonight in an Under-21 friendly that represents the last chance for both side's coaches to assess their options before next month's UEFA European U-21 Championship in Switzerland.

Maresca missing
For Italy coach Claudio Gentile, this is the sole opportunity to look at his midfield now that Juventus FC's Enzo Maresca has been ruled out of the finals with a thigh injury.

Bonera steps up
Gentile has called up AC Perugia midfield player Manuele Blasi in place of Maresca while Dario Dainelli of Hellas-Verona FC replaces Brescia Calcio's Daniele Bonera, who Giovanni Trapattoni has drafted into the senior squad.

France seeded
Italy's credentials need no affirming. But the holders of the European crown will have the best possible test tonight against a French side who are the only other seeded team in May's final tournament, after they emerged from the qualifying round unbeaten.

Gregorini in for Frey
France coach Raymond Domenech is without AJ Auxerre's Philippe Mexès and Parma AC goalkeeper Sebastien Frey. The absence of Frey, who has a knee problem, means a second start for Olympique de Marseille reserve-team goalkeeper Damien Gregorini, whose first cap came in the 1-0 defeat of Portugal last month.

'A real test'
Domenech will field a strong attacking trio of Djibril Cissé, Sidney Govou and Pegguy Luyindula. "It will be a real test against one of the best teams in Europe," said Domenech. "Their athletic power is their main quality."

Dress rehearsal
Two of Italy's Group A opponents, England and Portugal, meet in Stoke tomorrow in what is a dress rehearsal of their encounter in their final group match in Zurich.

Zamora called up
England coach David Platt has given a first call-up to Bobby Zamora, the free-scoring 21-year-old striker of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, who have just won promotion to England's First Division. Manchester United FC defender Wes Brown will also feature, a player who, according to Platt, "has a chance of going to the World Cup".

Frei flying
The tournament hosts, Switzerland, also in Group A, are in action against another finalist, Czech Republic, in Zurich's Hardturm stadium - venue of two of their group matches in the finals. Swiss striker Alex Frei's confidence will be sky-high after he scored four goals in a lightning 27-minute spell for Servette FC against FC Sion last Saturday.

Belgium at home
Greece, who are in Group B with France and the Czechs, travel to Copenhagen to face Denmark. Andrea Michapolous's side defeated Belgium, another rival this summer, 3-2 in a friendly last month. The Belgians will look to put that result behind them when they entertain Slovakia in Vise.