France faces Italy, again, for Euro 2008 qualifier 04/09/2006 00:00

CLAIREFONTAINE, France, Sept 3, 2006 (AFP) - Bordeaux midfielder Julien Faubert has been called up by France for Wednesday's World Cup final rematch against Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier, French officials said.

The 23-year-old Faubert, who scored the winner on his debut in a 2-1 friendly victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, replaces striker David Trezeguet, who pulled out injured on Friday, for the Stade de France clash.

Faubert had been suspended for the 3-0 win over Georgia on Saturday in their first qualifier following action in this year's European under-21 championships.

Chelsea's tough-tackling midfielder Claude Makelele, who has a right ankle injury, and Manchester United striker Louis Saha, hurt on the left ankle, were both called up for the Italy Group B game despite their injuries.

French squad

Keepers: Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Paris SG)

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Lyon), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Juventus/ITA), Francois Clerc (Lyon), William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Gael Givet (Monaco),  Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich/GER), Lilian Thuram (Barcelona/ESP)

Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Lyon), Julien Faubert (Bordeaux), Claude Makelele (Chelsea/ENG), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Rio Mavuba (Bordeaux), Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan/ITA)

Strikers: Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Arsenal/ENG), Franck Ribery (Marseille), Louis Saha (Manchester United/ENG), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon)

Copyright AFP

Subject: French news