Italy is preparing to host France on Sunday afternoon for a highly anticipated 2024 UEFA Nations League clash. Both sides want to build on their strong performances and establish a strong position in the group and have already booked their places in the play-offs. With the stage set at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday, fans can expect an exciting and pivotal match in this international break window.
Match Details
Match: Italy vs France
Stadium: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Time: Nov 17, 2024 at 7.45 pm UK
Italy vs France: Preview
Italy ensured their place in the Nations League knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Belgium on Thursday night. Sandro Tonali’s early goal proved decisive, securing the Azzurri their fourth victory in five matches and extending their unbeaten streak since their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
Luciano Spalletti’s side faced a few anxious moments but built on solid performances, including back-to-back wins against Israel and a resilient draw with Belgium in Rome, where they played with 10 men for nearly an hour. Since Spalletti’s tactical shake-up in September, Italy has shown determination, highlighted by a remarkable 2-1 comeback win over France in Paris despite conceding a goal in the first 13 seconds.
More Team Preview
Already through to the quarter-finals, set for March, Italy can secure the top spot in Group 2 by avoiding a two-goal defeat against France on Sunday. The match, taking place in Milan, marks the second meeting between these neighbors in two months and will close out the group stage.
France’s preparations have been clouded by speculation surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s absence, and head coach Didier Deschamps endured further frustration on Thursday when his team dominated against Israel but only managed a 0-0 draw. To add to the drama, the match at Stade de France was marred by sparse attendance due to security concerns and scuffles between rival fans.
After bouncing back from an opening loss to Italy with three consecutive wins, including two over Belgium, France’s momentum has stalled. Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and a Nations League title in 2021, will look to this match to reaffirm his credentials as he prepares the team for next summer’s finals and the 2026 World Cup.
Italy vs France: Team News
Italy might opt for squad rotation with qualification secured. Mateo Retegui has solidified his role as the team’s first-choice striker, but Moise Kean—coming off a Serie A hat-trick for Fiorentina—could get the nod in attack. Nicolo Barella’s role as a midfield-to-attack link may also be under review, with Giacomo Raspadori a viable alternative. Injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Samuele Ricci, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giorgio Scalvini limit Spalletti’s options, though Manuel Locatelli has joined the squad to compete for a midfield spot alongside Nicolo Rovella.
France, meanwhile, is without Kylian Mbappé for some undisclosed reasons, along with injured players Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, Loic Bade, and Aurelien Tchouameni. Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan, both of AC Milan, are expected to start at San Siro, while Inter’s Marcus Thuram will compete with Randal Kolo Muani for the central attacking role. Kingsley Coman called to replace the injured Dembele, will challenge Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for spots in the attacking trio.
Predicted Starting 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.
Conclusion
The match promises to be entertaining as both nations already have a spot in the playoffs of the UEFA Nations League 2024 campaign. Some players, like DiMarco, Barcola, and many more elites, can prove themselves as decisive athletes if they win the match and place their team in the playoffs comfortably.
