1st off: I watched the match, am aware they both played 1 forward (although Scolari will say 4-3-3 with withdrawn wingers of Ronaldo and Figo), and I never said the MF wasn't crowded. Just talking about the final vs. Italy.
2nd off: France HAD two of best holding players but both have looked aged, not freelancing as 90-minute, two-way players, hence, the more defensive approach with an Henry counter and no Trezeguet. With Pirlo's playmaking from a deep role, someone has to be more active to shadow him and it won't be Zidane in this role we know. Makelele and Viera will have to change.
They beat Spain's 4-3-3 with wing play, not central "6" defending, hence Ribery and Malouda's success that match. Portugal had much more of the ball vs. France and so will Italy if it stays the same BUT with much more quality.
3rd off - Cannavaro and Metarrazzi will both sit at home and the back four and central three will have alot of possession, again, in the congested MF. Italy's 3 player attack would hold the back-four in place much more and force Makelele and Viera to, again, be more active and defend higher vs. numbers.
