French full of excuses, says Italy's Panucci

BADEN, Austria (AFP) — Italian defender Christian Panucci on Friday said France coach Raymond Domenech, who criticised the referee after his side's loss to the Italians, "always has excuses".

Domenech was furious that Italy were awarded a penalty and the French had Eric Abidal sent off in the process as they slid to a a 2-0 defeat which saw Italy win their re-run of the World Cup final.

But Panucci told a press conference in Baden the French handler's complaints were only par for the Domenech course.

"It's best ...