Sunday’s much-anticipated UEFA Nations League showdown between Italy and France, two European giants meeting at Milan’s iconic San Siro. With both teams already qualified for the quarter-finals, the match’s stakes lie in Italy’s pursuit of securing first place in League A Group 2 and France’s desire to regain momentum after a disappointing home draw.
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Match Preview
Italy enters the game riding high after securing their fourth win in five games, a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium on Thursday. Sandro Tonali’s early goal proved decisive, as Luciano Spalletti’s men extended their unbeaten run since their Euro 2024 exit. Their resilience was on display in previous matches, including a 10-man draw against Belgium and a thrilling victory over France in September.
The Azzurri have thrived under Spalletti’s tactical tweaks and squad rotation, which have rejuvenated the team. Having beaten France 3-1 in their Group 2 opener, Italy needs only to avoid losing by two goals or more on Sunday to finish as group leaders.
For France, the story has been more turbulent. Despite back-to-back victories over Belgium, Les Bleus’ campaign hit a roadblock with a shocking 0-0 draw against last-placed Israel. Played in a sparsely populated Stade de France amid security concerns, the game exposed France’s inconsistency and created further pressure on coach Didier Deschamps.
Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and a Nations League triumph in 2021, faces increasing scrutiny despite his impressive resume. With Kylian Mbappé absent for undisclosed reasons and several key players injured, the French side will look to reignite their form in Milan.
Team News
Italy, with their progression already secure, may rotate their squad. Striker Mateo Retegui could make way for the in-form Moise Kean, who scored a Serie A hat-trick last week. In midfield, Manuel Locatelli might start over Nicolo Rovella, while Giacomo Raspadori could challenge Nicolo Barella for a more advanced role. Injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Samuele Ricci, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giorgio Scalvini mean Spalletti will need to make careful adjustments.
For France, injuries to Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Wesley Fofana, and Aurélien Tchouaméni have limited Deschamps’ options. AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are set to start on familiar turf, while Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani will compete to lead the attack. Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola are in contention for starting spots in the final third.
Possible Lineups
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Kean
France: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Zaire-Emery, Barcola; Thuram
Match Outlook
While this fixture promises high-profile names and a storied rivalry, it could end as a low-scoring affair. With quarter-final spots already secured, players might prioritize avoiding injuries before returning to club football. However, Italy’s edge in form and home advantage make them favorites to close out their Group 2 campaign on top.
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