Italy coach Roberto Donadoni gives instructions (Action Images)

LIVORNO/SARAJEVO, Aug 16 (SW) - Reigning World Champions Italy suffered a 0-2 defeat by Croatia in a friendly match on Wednesday, while France needed a late goal to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Italy - Croatia 0-2

Roberto Donadoni's decision to leave out all World Cup players for the friendly match with Croatia, did not pay off for the new manager.

A bit more than a month after winning the World Cup, Italy could not compete with their Croatian visitors who took the lead in the 28th minute. Eduardo took advantage of chaos in the Italian defense and headed past goalkeeper Amelia for 0-1.

And in the 42nd minute, Croatia added another through Luka Modric, who scored from a Rapaic assist.

Bosnia-H. - France 1-2

World Cup finalists France only just managed to win in and against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Fifteen minutes had been played in Sarajevo when Sergej Barbarez scored from close range, after which the match had to be suspended temporarily due to fireworks smoke coming from the stands.

The French levelled the score with four minutes to play in the first half. A Thierry Henry header found William Gallas, who struck the bar after which the ball bounced behind goalkeeper Hasagic.

And in added time, Domenech's men scored the winning goal. In his first match for France, Julien Faubert proved to be of importance by striking past the 'keeper for 1-2.