France FC are aiming for a strong start in the Nations League, as they welcome Italy FC, with aims of a better results this time. These two nations had a different Nations League campaign in the past seasons, and are aiming for best results this time. During the past Nations League contests, France have yet to go past through the group stage, despite their skilled squad. With that, France are eager to earn a strong start here, to finally earn good results in this match. On the other hand, Italy is a better team, as they were able to finish at the third here as their best finish. Due to this, Italy are aiming for a strong start, as they want a much better performance here. The meeting between these two teams is on September 7, 2024, at 2:45 AM (GMT+8).
France FC
France’s Euros performance was disappointing, with only one goal scored outside of set-pieces and own goals. The team’s captain, Kylian Mbappe, suffered a nose injury in the opening game against Austria, resulting in an underwhelming tournament. Didier Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup, will lead Les Bleus into the next campaign, with the Nations League next up. France’s sub-par showing in 2024-25 is crucial, as the nation that finishes bottom of each group will be automatically relegated. Additionally, the third-placed teams must participate in a playoff to avoid dropping down into League B. The top two in Group 2, including Belgium and Israel, will qualify for a new quarter-final round, with the winners progressing to the finals in June 2021.
Didier Deschamps has reformed his Euro 2024 squad for the Nations League fixtures, excluding free agent Adrien Rabiot and Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard. Michael Olise, Manu Kone, Loic Bade, and Lucas Digne have been added to the squad, while Italy-based Matteo Guendouzi is drafted in as midfield cover.
Italy FC
Italy’s disappointing Euros performance was largely due to their poor group stage performance. This is with Mattia Zaccagni’s goal against Croatia and Switzerland’s loss in the first knockout stage. Luciano Spalletti, emphasized the need for clarity and consistency in the team. With this, they replaced some established members and introducing new talent. Italy has been unbeaten in six games since Spalletti took over after Roberto Mancini departed. Italy’s first competitive meeting with France in 16 years is against Israel, a team they have lost in their last three friendly meetings but defeated in the 2006 World Cup final. Friday’s game will mark Italy’s first competitive match with France in 16 years.
Italy faces eight players from Luciano Spalletti’s Euros squad, including Gianluca Mancini and Jorginho, with Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli being called ups. Spalletti plans to stick with a back three formation, with Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui potentially starting up front.
Prediction:
Italy FC
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