Group B/ France 3 Italy 1: Olympique Lyon winger Sidney Govou hit a double as France stunned arch-rivals Italy in a showcase Euro 2008 qualifier in Paris last night.
It was sweet revenge for France who bowed to the Italians on penalties in a controversial World Cup final two months ago.
France are second in the Group B table, level with Scotland and five points ahead of the world champions.
Italy, who were surprisingly held 1-1 by Lithuania on Saturday, got off to a terrible start when Govou struck after just 90 seconds, volleying in a cross by William Gallas.
France increased their lead after 17 minutes when Thierry Henry slotted a superb right-foot strike from close range after Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon failed to hold a powerful shot from Florent Malouda.
Italy pulled a goal back with Alberto Gilardino's header three minutes later but Govou struck again 11 minutes into the second half with a powerful header from 10 metres.
FRANCE: Coupet, Sagnol, Gallas, Thuram, Abidal, Ribery (Saha 88), Vieira, Makelele, Malouda, Govou (Wiltord 75), Henry. Subs Not Used: Landreau, Boumsong, Clerc, Givet, Diarra. Booked: Henry. Goals: Govou 2, Henry 18, Govou 55.
ITALY: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Grosso, Semioli (Di Michele 54), Pirlo, Gattuso, Perrotta, Cassano (Inzaghi 73), Gilardino (De Rossi 87). Subs Not Used: Abbiati, Oddo, Dainelli, Delvecchio. Booked: Cannavaro, Perrotta, Gilardino, Grosso. Goal: Gilardino 20.
Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany).
