The 2006 FIFA World Cup finalists, France and Italy were drawn in Group C along with the Netherlands and Romania, making it on paper the strongest group in the finals. Matches were played in Bern and Zürich.
Overview | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Knock-Out Stage
Romania
France
After a defence-dominated first half, both teams played more positive football after the interval with France gradually gaining the ascendancy but there were no goals.
Netherlands
Italy
It had been 30 years since the Netherlands last beat Italy but they ended that record in style to go top of Group C.
Italy
Romania
Both goals came within a minute, Mutu giving Romania the lead on 55 minutes only for Panucci to level the scores seconds later. Mutu should have made the game safe for his team after Panucci impeded Niculae in the box late in the game but his penalty was saved in spectacular fashion by Buffon.
Netherlands
France
Oranje put on another spectacular display to sweep France aside and book a place in the next stage.
Netherlands
Romania
The Netherlands ended the group stage with a 100% record and put Romania out.
Italy
France
A penalty in the first half and a deflected free-kick in the second gave Italy second place in the group.