Italy vs France Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League, November 17, 2024

Italy vs France Preview

• Date: Sunday, November 17
• Kick-off Time: 7:45 pm GMT
• Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy

Two of the biggest footballing nations in Europe and the world, Italy and France will clash with each other in a UEFA Nations League A Group 2 match. The two sides occupy the top two spots in the group and have more or less confirmed a place in the championship playoffs. Italy won the reverse fixture 3-1 and will once again start as favourites. The Italy vs France fixture is one of the biggest encounters in the current round of the Nations League and it should live up to the expectations.

The Italian Federation was highly discontent with Italy’s title defence at the 2024 European Championship. Somehow, the Azzurri managed to make it to the knockout stages but was handed a harsh reality check by Switzerland. Italy’s performances throughout the Euros attracted a lot of criticism. Since then, Luciano Spalletti has overseen a successful run of results. The players have finally been able to deliver their manager’s ideas on the pitch with several of them stepping up their respective levels. A long road ahead awaits Italy to major competitions like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming games will be a crucial preparation to that.

Ranked second in the FIFA World Rankings, France has not justified its place with its recent displays. Legendary coach, Didier Deschamps has faced a lot of heat for some of his decision-making. The supporters in France have been dissatisfied with Deschamps’ pessimistic and pragmatic approach to games. France was outclassed by Spain in the Euros semi-finals and the feeling is that Les Bleus are not equipped currently to tackle the big nations. Although, Didier Deschamps’ job is not under scrutiny right now, a bad run of results can reverse that landscape very quickly.

Italy National Football Team News

Talented Torino midfielder, Samuele Ricci will have to remain on the sidelines as he recovers from a muscle injury. Luciano Spalletti is expected to continue with the back-three formation which has brought his side great success since the Euros.

France National Football Team News

The biggest exclusion from the French squad is that of Kylian Mbappe. The captain has been excluded from Didier Deschamps’ squad for the second international break in a row. The reasons are still unclear behind that decision but there has been no shortage of controversies. France will line in a 4-3-3 formation which will change to a 4-5-1 out of possession. His fellow Real Madrid teammate, Aurelien Tchouameni is also out due to a sprained ankle.

Also Read: England vs Ireland Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | UEFA Nations League, November 17, 2024

Italy vs France Predicted Lineups

Italy National Football Team Predicted Lineup (3-5-1-1)

Goalkeeper: Donnarumma

Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori

Midfielders: Cambiaso, Frattesi, Fagioli, Tonali, Dimarco

Forwards: Raspadori, Retegui

France National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Maignan

Defenders: Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez

Midfielders: Fofana, Camavinga, Olise

Forwards: Dembele, Nkunku, Muani

Italy vs France H2H Record

None of the last five head-to-head meetings between Italy and France have ended in draws. Italy has won two of the matches including the 2006 World Cup final while France has triumphed thrice.

Key Players to Watch in Italy vs France

Nicolo Barella (Italy)

Nicolo Barella is one of the most talented and able players in the Italian squad. The Azzurri’s football runs through Barella in the midfield. The Inter Milan man has quickly cemented his place with the best in the world and is already one of the most experienced campaigners in the squad. Nicolo Barella is at his best when he is able to drift into wide positions and deliver crosses to the box. Barella has also got wonderful passing and shooting abilities which make him a complete midfielder.

Mike Maignan (France)

France will feel fortunate to have found someone like Mike Maignan as the successor to Hugo Lloris. The transition to Mike Maignan has fortunately been smooth for France and many believe that the AC Milan number one will take the goalkeeping legacy of the great nation a step forward. Maignan has 26 international caps to his name since his debut in 2020 and he will continue to be the number one choice between the sticks for France for many years to come.

Italy vs France Prediction

There is no doubt that Italy will back on the home advantage at the San Siro. Luciano Spalletti will also feel that his side is on a better run of form as compared to France and will take motivation from the victory in the reverse fixture. A single goal margin will be the most likely factor in deciding the victory.

Predicted Score: Italy 2-1 France

Also Read: Israel vs Belgium Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | November 17, 2024

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