The upcoming match between France and Italy is crucial for both teams. France aims to secure first place in their group by winning with a two-goal margin, recovering from a disappointing draw against Israel. Italy, unbeaten in five matches, seeks to maintain their position while recalling past performances. Both sides are under pressure, with key players needing to step up as they prepare for future competitions. The outcome will significantly impact their paths in the League of Nations.
What’s on the Line in This Match?
The primary goal for the French team is to secure the top spot in their group while leaving a positive impression. Achieving this requires them to win by a margin of at least two goals against Italy in their match this Sunday evening at 8:45 PM on TF1. Playing in the vibrant atmosphere of San Siro, filled with 68,000 passionate fans, it’s crucial for the French squad to deliver a performance that contrasts sharply with their previous outing against Israel, which ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw at Stade de France. This match holds significant importance after a lackluster showing in 2024 in terms of both gameplay and emotional engagement.
Assessing Italy’s Strength
The Italian national team approaches this clash against France with a blend of enthusiasm and respect. They are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in the group stage and can finish at the top if they manage not to lose by two goals to the World Cup runners-up. Following an impressive performance at Parc des Princes last September, where they triumphed 3-1, Luciano Spalletti’s squad is well-equipped to challenge the Blues once again.
Nonetheless, the Italian coach, whose leading scorer is Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella with ten goals, remains cautious. The painful memory of their Euro exit in the round of 16 against Switzerland still lingers. During their summer campaign in Germany, the Squadra Azzurra faced a tough time, returning with a record of one win, one draw, and two losses, having scored three goals while conceding five.
ALSO SEE – The Blues’ training session at San Siro amidst the Milan fog ahead of the Italy-France match.
Despite this, Italy has shown remarkable recovery under the same coach. The previous 4-3-3 formation from the Euro has been replaced with a more effective 3-5-1-1 setup since the season began. “We have many young players eager to work and bond, creating a united team spirit,” stated Gianluigi Donnarumma, who will take his place in goal tonight.
Didier Deschamps’ Tactical Approach
Didier Deschamps is determined to make changes. After the lackluster performance against Israel, he made it clear during the press conference that his French squad will undergo modifications for their encounter with Italy at 8:45 PM. The strategy is to introduce fresh faces into the lineup, even if it means adjusting the collective dynamics.
Also readLeague of Nations: The Blues aim for first place following the Italy-France match.
Indications from a closed-door training session held on a foggy San Siro pitch suggest that Deschamps is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. The expected lineup includes Thuram leading the attack, with Coman on the left, Olise on the right, and Nkunku providing support. In midfield, a duo of Rabiot and Koné is anticipated. Key players such as Kolo Muani, Zaïre Emery, Kanté, and Barcola will be absent, with Digne and Koundé potentially filling the defensive flanks alongside a central pairing of Konaté and Saliba, all in front of the steadfast Maignan.
The anticipated starting eleven for the Blues:
Maignan – Koundé, Konaté, Saliba, Digne – Koné, Rabiot – Olise, Nkunku, Coman – Thuram
Key Players for the Blues to Impress
In this phase of rebuilding, every match is crucial for Didier Deschamps, providing insights both on and off the field. The coach is keen to assess new talents as he prepares for the World Cup qualifiers in 2025. Consequently, the performances of Christopher Nkunku, Marcus Thuram, Michaël Olise, and Kingsley Coman are under scrutiny. With the departures of Griezmann and Giroud and the absence of Mbappé, opportunities abound.
Also readLeague of Nations: The Blues’ motivations and challenges ahead of the Italy clash.
Thuram, who has netted only twice in his international career, is under pressure to step up. Playing in Milan, he faces a significant chance to reestablish himself amidst competition from Kolo Muani. Nkunku, who impressed in Budapest against Israel, must capitalize on his opportunity after being a substitute at Chelsea. Olise, while showing great potential, needs to elevate his performance and attitude. The expectation for the offensive strategy of the Blues is high.
How Can the Blues Secure First Place?
The final act of the League of Nations group stage will unfold this Sunday night at 8:45 PM as the Blues take the field. Currently sitting second in group 2 with ten points, behind Italy’s thirteen, Didier Deschamps’ squad faces a pivotal challenge at San Siro. The aim is crystal clear: to improve upon their previous performance against Israel and to clinch the top position in the group. What’s the benefit? The quarter-finals are set for March, and while France is already assured of advancement, finishing first would allow them to face a less formidable opponent.
In other groups, Portugal, Germany, and Spain have already secured their top spots. A second-place finish for the Blues could mean a clash against these strong teams. However, if they finish first, they might face less intimidating teams such as Croatia, Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, or Serbia. The stakes are high. To claim the top position, the world runners-up must emerge victorious against Italy by at least two goals. In such a scenario, both teams would be level on points, but France would take the lead based on their superior goal difference.