Alessandro Del Piero has a chance to make history and get rid of the ghosts of Euro 2000 when Italy take on France in Sunday's World Cup final in Berlin.

Del Piero has been a football icon for his country for more than a decade yet his misses against France in the Euro 2000 final tarnished his reputation.

The Juventus captain failed to hit the target late in the game against Les Bleus and France claimed a narrow triumph.

"No one suffered more than I did in that game," said Del Piero. "I was criticised a lot, even described as being half a player.

"I don't feel guilty and for a simple reason, whenever I play I give everything, my head, my legs and my heart on the pitch.

"That defeat is already in the past, Sunday's game is a new story and a new battle."

If Italy's 2-0 triumph over Germany in the semi-final was an epic one, Sunday's encounter against France, according to Del Piero, will not be for the faint hearted.

"There could have been other teams to have reached this final," he said.

"I believe that this is the best possible final, between two great teams that have incredible champions.

"There couldn't have been any other team more adapted to this final than France and it's going to be a fantastic final."

One of the big reasons why France have made it this far is because of Del Piero's former Juve team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who is looking to retire in style.

Del Piero has fond memories of Zizou from the time together in Turin.

"There's little that can be said about Zizou, he is simply number one," said

Del Piero.

"I have very fond memories of our time together at Juve.

"We experienced great adventures and we have a friendship and respect that goes above the greatness of him as a player.

"I am very happy that he has been able to crash those criticisms he received at the start of the tournament but I'm afraid he may not be able to have his dream finish."

France have a veteran side that is full of quality and it includes two of Del Piero's current team-mates at Juve in Patrick Vieira and Lilian Thuram.

Vieira has been solid in midfield while Thuram has been an integral part of the impressive rearguard.

"We cannot think only about Zidane," he said.

"France have very good and strong players and they can punish us if we give them a chance.

"We really have to play a perfect match in every respect."

What Vieira, Del Piero and Thuram all have in common is the spectre of the football scandal back at their club Juventus.

Juve are on trial in a sports court in Rome and face possible relegation if found guilty of match fixing or other serious infractions.

"The fact that there could be at least eight Juve players in this final highlights the quality of our club team," said Del Piero.

"It's inevitable not to think a little bit about what is happening back home but my priority is Sunday's final.

"I think Juve will be well represented on Sunday and I hope that the Italians and the Juve fans will be able to smile."

"After Monday I can think about my future and the club's situation."

So far, the scandal has galvanised Marcello Lippi's side, who have also had to deal with other problems along the way.

"So far, the scandal has stimulated us," he said. "We are well aware that it could have brought us down.

"I think a World Cup final represents something unique, you don't need any extra motivation because we know what we are fighting for."

Del Piero nevertheless believes that France, who have beaten them twice in their last two meeting in a major tournament, have the upper hand.

"I think France has less stress going into the final," admitted Del Piero. "We have the scandal back home, the pressure from the media.

"Then there was the incident with (Juve team-manager) Gianluca Pessotto which was dramatic and really affected us.

"But, in a final, anything can happen."

With Lippi unlikely to continue in the national team having been linked with a return to Juve, this could be the last chance for Del Piero and co to fight for glory.

"I would define it as a great opportunity for this group," said Del Piero.

"It's a great chance.

"I don't know what the plans of the other players is but I'm not thinking about the future, my future is on Sunday."

Del Piero has only started one game in Germany but has proved sturdy coming off the bench.

He scored Italy's second against Germany.

"I feel in very good form," he said.

"That goal has given me a boost in confidence and whether I start or not my aim is to make the most of the minutes I will play."