Zinedine Zidane manages his first home game for France against Italy at the Stade de France in a key Nations League Group A1 fixture.
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ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •The match kicks off at the Stade de France at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).
- •France is currently undefeated in the group stage with two 1-0 victories.
- •Italy enters the match following a 4-1 win against Turkey and a 2-0 loss to Belgium.
- •France's starting XI includes Serie A players Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Da Cunha.
- •Italy's Giacomo Raspadori and Nicolò Zaniolo were ruled out of the squad due to injuries.
France hosts Italy at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis for a UEFA Nations League match, marking Zinedine Zidane’s first home game as France manager. France enters the fixture with a perfect record, having secured 1-0 victories in their previous away matches against Belgium and Turkey. Italy, currently under the guidance of Roberto Mancini in his second spell, seeks to build on a recent 4-1 win over Turkey following an earlier 2-0 defeat to Belgium.
By the numbers
France Line-up and Strategy
Zinedine Zidane has implemented six changes to the French side that defeated Belgium. Michael Olise, who scored the winning goal in the previous match, moves into the starting attack. The team is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Maignan in goal, with Kalulu, Jacquet, Upamecano, and Truffert in defense. The midfield includes Da Cunha and Rabiot, while the attacking line is composed of Olise, Cherki, Doue, and Dembele.
Italy's Tactical Approach
Italy has opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation, featuring the brothers Francesco Pio Esposito and Sebastiano Esposito alongside Moise Kean in the forward line. Roberto Mancini has made two changes to the side that played in Turkey, with Riccardo Calafiori and Moise Kean entering the starting XI. The midfield remains unchanged from the previous victory, with Frattesi, Tonali, and Fagioli retaining their positions. Despite earlier fitness concerns, Kean has been cleared to start.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by France24 Sport, Guardian Sport, Football Italia, Football Italia.
