Raymond Domenech insists his ageing French stars will find the reserves of energy and mental strength required to secure a second world title on Sunday.
"There's no denying that the players are very tired after last night's game against Portugal," he said back at the team's north German Hamelin base yesterday. "But it's natural in a World Cup final to give everything and then to worry afterwards about recovering for the next game. Being in a final now will give them all wings, even the old ones," he joked.
"A lot has been made of the players' ages," the coach continued, "but for me 30 or 35 is not so old if you are gifted, prepared to run hard and follow a plan. Look at Luis Figo, he's the same age as Zidane and he wasn't so bad for Portugal last night. We're not the only ones who keep the old ones in the good jar."
The French go into Sunday's game short just one player, with Louis Saha ruled out by a suspension after picking up a rather rash booking late on in Wednesday's win. Domenech's team is likely to be the same one that has started the last three games.
"To be honest we haven't had a chance to think about it yet because last night's game came so quickly after the ones against Spain and Portugal. It's very exciting to be in the final, though, and a little more special because Italy are the team we will play. We have a couple of days now to prepare ourselves for one final test."
The French beat Italy both in 1998 at the quarter-final stage and two years later when the sides contested the final of Euro 2000.
"We all know that it will be a difficult game but it will also be a great occasion," said Domenech. "I'm delighted for Zidane and the other players who will retire after this game. It is good that they didn't depart after a disappointment like the 1-0 defeat by Greece two years ago.
"We intend to win, of course, and I believe my players can do it, but whatever happens now it will be a fitting stage for players who have made their mark as a generation to say farewell."
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