This proved to be an isolated break as the French with Didier Deschamps a central

This proved to be an isolated break as the French, with Didier Deschamps a central figure, controlled midfield. As usual, however, they created few chances with a header by Florian Maurice, from Ba's cross, the only other attempt of the half.There is hope for the future, to judge by the brilliant exhibition of close control and shooting by French youngsters at the interval, but none will be ready for next year's World Cup.Neither side matched the exhibition until Cesare Maldini finally realised, as Ruud Gullit had done, that playing Zola in midfield does not work Off he came and, five minutes later Italy levelled. Le Tournoi had been a big disappointment with Zidane's form one of the most worrying aspects. He occupies the same place in the French media as Gascoigne does in the English, every match features a debate about his role.Last night he played in an advanced position and, after 10 minutes, it paid off. Lilian Thuram spotted his run behind Alessandro Costacurta into the inside-right channel. The pass was perfect, so was the first touch, Zidane's second touch flashed the ball past Gianluca Pagliuca for a carbon copy of Zola's goal against England at Wembley.The lively Ibrahim Ba wasted a chance to extend the lead before Italy responded with a Casiraghi header from Paolo Maldini's cross which went just over. He saw them play Gianfranco Zola behind a front two of Alessandro Del Piero and Pierluigi Casiraghi. France were desperate to win.

France finished their own tournament to a chorus of boos last night, after an injury-time penalty enabled Italy to hold them to a draw. The Italians were watched with interest by Glenn Hoddle who had stayed on to have another look at England's World Cup opponents. And his fellow Norwegian Tore Pedersen is expected to arrive after the weekend. The centre- back is poised for a pounds 1m move from the relegated German side St Pauli.. The Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink arrives today to complete a pounds 2m move from Boavista, days after his successful farewell appearance in the Portugese Cup final.Norway's midfielder Alf Inge Haland will also join Leeds today, leaving the Yorkshire club to sort out a fee with Nottingham Forest. The Bastia right-back flew to Ewood Park yesterday for contract talks and a medical.

Valery has had an outstanding season for the Corsican side, and Hodgson spotted him during his time in charge at Internazionale.Graham is poised to make three major foreign signings for Leeds. The chance to move to Everton with millions to spend may appeal as his reputation is at an all-time low in Italy, where he walked out as the national manager to go back to Milan. Johnson is coming under fire for his failure to replace Joe Royle. Bobby Robson has stalled about joining, George Graham will not quit Leeds, both Bryan Robson and Martin O'Neill shied away and a move for John Toshack was unpopular.Blackburn's new manager, Roy Hodgson, is making France's Patrick Valery his first signing for Blackburn Rovers. The Goodison chairman, Peter Johnson, has made a discreet approach to the experienced coach, who took Italy to the World Cup final three years ago.