European rivals prepare to party

Alex Roux and Alessandro Fantoni

The Italian football team resemble a "robust wine" with a strong body, says Alessandro Fantoni, and that is why they will win the World Cup final against a French side who are all bubbles and no substance.

"France is champagne, with a superstar but not strong throughout."

But Frenchman Alex Roux disagrees. "We have the player with the extra x-factor. That can change a game."

Unless you've been living in a cave for the past month - blindfolded and wearing earplugs - you'll know the soccer World Cup final takes place on Monday morning New Zealand time.

An audience of one billion will tune in to their TVs to see who lifts the trophy after Italy and France battle it out.

Only a fraction of that number will be in Gina's restaurant, owned by Mr Fantoni, and Mr Roux's Bouchon. But it will be a passionate fraction.

"The atmosphere will be beautiful," said Mr Fantoni, who has lived in New Zealand for 12 years. "I always thought we could go all the way. The score does not matter. The important thing is to win."

Gina's, on Symonds St in central Auckland, is decorated in Italian flags and will open at 5am in time for the kickoff an hour later.

Bouchon, in Kingsland, is also opening early and has big screens for the hordes of French fans expected to arrive for crepes and football.

Mr Roux said he was confident about France's chances, but warned that a high-pressure final could turn on one incident.

"It's 50-50 who will win. I think it will be one goal and a close game."

There is a huge rivalry between the Italians and French. Italy have not beaten France in six matches since defeating them in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina but, before that, France went more than 60 years and 19 matches without a win over Italy.

Eight years ago, a highly rated Italian side were knocked out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage on penalties by France who, as hosts, went on to win the final.

Two years later, Italy came up against the French again, in the final of Euro 2000, losing out to a golden goal.

Mr Roux and Mr Fantoni were able to agree on a couple of points. Mental strength was the key, and both Auckland restaurants would be enjoying a party atmosphere.

About 75,000 people will pack into the Olympiastadion in Berlin to watch the final. The city's airports are bracing for their biggest day, with 120,000 passengers expected to pass through the capital - twice the usual number.

Colombian pop singer Shakira will top the bill for the kickoff party. Spanish tenor Placido Domingo will perform at halftime.