In extra time it was France who looked the more likely to score as Franck Ribery shot agonisingly just wide after 99 minutes before Zidane forced the spectacular save from Buffon after meeting a Willy Sagnol cross with a stunning header.

CNN: Zidane sees red as Italy win Cup

One of the streets near where I live is rue Buffon, after the pioneer botanist and geologist George Louis Buffon.

BBC: Part Three - France and the World

Datolo leveled in the 64th minute when he pounced after keeper Gianluigi Buffon could only parry a header from German Denis and the rebound fell in his path.

CNN: Ten-man Juventus ambushed by improving Napoli

It took over half an hour for David Silva to test Buffon in the Italy goal and after Luca Toni had a dangerous header blocked at the other, Silva shot just wide with a second attempt.

CNN: Spain beat Italy in Euro penalty shoot out

Vieri, who had seen limited action in Inter's previous game, limped off the field holding his thigh after stretching for the ball near the Parma goal and colliding with the keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

BBC: Christian Vieri

The likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo and Luca Toni have the week off to rest after gruelling club seasons.

BBC: Four debutants in N Ireland team