A France side starring Manchester United's Evra, Arsenal's William Gallas and Chelsea pair Claude Makelele and Nicolas Anelka were left broken hearted as they exited the competition, following defeat to Italy in Group C.

Andrea Pirlo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Luca Toni was fouled in the area. France's Eric Abidal was shown a red card for the challenge, leaving Les Bleus down to 10 men midway through the first half.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was unlucky to score an own-goal early in to the second half to guarantee Italy a quarter-final place in the Championships.

inches wide

Elsewhere in Group C, a much-changed Holland team ran out 2-0 winners against Romania.

Arsenal's Robin van Persie came close to opening the scoring for Holland in the first half, but his header went inches wide.

The deadlock was broken for the Dutch side, featuring Aston Villa's Wilfred Bouma, Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and Wigan Athletic's Mario Melchiot, shortly after the break, when Klaus Huntelaar hit home.

A second came late on as Van Persie struck to help his side to top spot in the group and condemn Romania.