New Fulham boss Jean Tigana has warned France to keep a close eye on the Italian counter-attack in tomorrow's Euro 2000 final.

Tigana, who won a European Championship medal for les Bleus in 1984, thinks the current French side have too much quality to lose to the defence-minded Italians. But this could count for nothing if the French do not approach the final in a cautious manner, he warned.

'From my own experiences as a player, Italy are an extremely difficult side to beat. They make it difficult for you by closing you down and giving you no space on the ball.

'They are a defensive team, but can break quickly and score goals. They have already proved this during the tournament.' Many of the current French team have worked under Tigana at either Monaco or Leon and he added: 'It will fill me with a sense of pride if France win.'