From the archive: Zidane, Maldini and more sat at Anfield during Euro 1996

An Italy team led by Paolo Maldini beat Russia 2-1 in a Group C match at home to Liverpool on 11 June 1996.

France and Zinedine Zidane, a star-studded Dutch side and eventual finalists the Czech Republic – featuring future Reds Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer – also played in L4 during the tournament.

And here, we’ve delved into the archives and compiled a collection of the best photos from each of Anfield’s four Euro ’96 games…

Italy 2-1 Russia: Group C (June 11)

A brace from Pierluigi Casiraghi was enough for Italy to start the Euros with a win.

Czech Republic – Italy 2-1: Group C (June 14)

Enrico Chiesa equalized from Pavel Nedved’s early opener but the Czech Republic ran out winners thanks to Radek Bejbl’s goal shortly after Italy saw Luigi Apolloni sent off in the first half.

Russia 3-3 Czech Republic: Group C (June 19)

Smicer, who would sign for Liverpool three years later, was the hero for the Czech Republic as he scored an 88th-minute equalizer to earn a point from a six-goal thriller against Russia.

France 0-0 Netherlands (5-4 pens): Quarter-finals (June 22)

A tight, tense tie in the round of 16 ended goalless after 120 minutes. Zidane stepped up to score France’s first penalty in the shootout and nine of the 10 spot-kicks were converted, with Clarence Seedorf’s miss proving costly for the Dutch.