ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO's last-minute penalty left the World Cup hosts winless in the Tournoi de France finale as Cesare Maldini's team refused to go down again.

Substitute Youri Djorkaeff came off the bench to grab a stunning goal from 25 yards in the 72nd minute. However. his celebrations proved premature as Del Piero induced a rash tackle from Lilian Thuram in the final minute. Spanish referee Jesus Lopez Nieto had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Del Piero slotted the ball home.

France took the lead just 12 minutes into the game. Parma's Thuram spotted Zidane s run into the area and his right-footed finish was emphatic.

The Italians were level after 61 minutes. Del Piero's ball down the right provided the angle for Di Livio's centre, and Casiraghi headed home.