MILAN - Italy must beat France when the World Cup finalists meet again on Saturday if they are to maintain a strong chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 although England and Spain are in even stickier situations.

Injury-hit England, who may be forced to play midfielder Steven Gerrard despite a broken toe, host Israel knowing anything less than three points would leave them precariously off the pace in Group E.

Spain need to win in Iceland to avoid dropping back in the hunt for the two qualification spots in Group F while the Netherlands face Group G rivals Bulgaria aware that a defeat would nullify their game in hand.

Euro 2004 runners-up Portugal also lie third in Group A and host leaders Poland without main defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe.

UEFA BAN

Second-placed Italy, who lost 3-1 in Paris in September, are two points behind Group B leaders France and one ahead of Scotland as they struggle to live up to the tag of world champions.

A defeat by France in Milan coupled with a Scotland victory at home to Lithuania would push Roberto Donadoni's side down to third ahead of a trip to fourth-placed Ukraine on Wednesday.

France, who host Scotland on Wednesday, are ready to avenge their World Cup final defeat despite UEFA banning their coach Raymond Domenech from the touchline.

He had accused Italy of bribing the referee of an Under-21 qualifier for the 2000 Olympics between the two countries.

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