Euros success was the crowning achievement of the four years – from under-16s through to U19s – that the pair worked together.
The Edouard who first joined the national set-up was an unassuming, shy teenager with a prolific scoring record in the Paris St-Germain youth academy.
His potential was clear to Giuntini after one training session. A natural finisher, with the temperament to match. For some strikers, missing chances clouds the mind, sows doubts and brings a tension to the muscles when the next opportunity falls their way.
Edouard simply refused to be flustered, and that cool-headed prowess has been a key factor in his haul of 28 goals for Celtic before the season was halted, and 62 in 126 games for the Scottish champions overall.
The building blocks of a top-class striker were in place. Giuntini relished the task of fleshing out that skill set, as well as broadening his tactical understanding, and he found the pupil eager to learn.
“With the France team, he realised all the things – physical and mental – he had to do to become more complete at international level,” the 63-year-old says. “He worked hard and his ‘hidden’ qualities appeared.
“He developed his athletic potential and his tactical range. Especially regarding the diversity of his moves on the pitch – ball retention, the ability to be unmarked to receive possession to his feet and deep in the opposition half.
“He also improved in the collective side of the game – preparation of offensive moves, defensive press, ability to come back and defend.”
