France vs Italy – UEFA Nations League – Preview, Team News and Updates

Following an enthralling 2024 Euros campaign, UEFA has another intriguing offering; the UEFA Nations League. We've already seen some thrilling matches yesterday, but all eyes will be on tonight's big clash between France and Italy. It's set to be the highlight of the international break, and fans won't want to miss it.

France, under Didier Deschamps, have been one of the most consistently brilliant team over the past decade. They have constantly reached the latter stages of every major tournament, and the 2024 Euros weren’t different. Les Bleus reached the semifinals, where they were knocked out by the eventual champions, Spain. However, the same can’t be said about their opponents, Italy.  

The Azzurri came into the tournament as the defending champions. But in a dismal title defense, they were knocked out by Switzerland in the round of 16. Now, the two European heavyweights face each other at Parc Des Princes for their first game of the new UEFA Nations League campaign. 

France vs Italy – Match Preview 

No national team has consistently performed at major tournaments quite like Les Bleus. From being runners-up at the 2016 Euros to winning the 2018 World Cup, and then reaching the 2022 World Cup final, France have shown incredible resilience and quality on the big stage. Even at the 2024 Euros, they made it to the semifinals before falling to eventual champions Spain. This level of consistency is no accident—France boasts one of the deepest talent pools in world football. But their performance in the 2024 Euros was worrisome. Les Bleus looked completely devoid of any attacking inspiration. 

Kylian Mbappe scored just one goal throughout the tournament, that too a penalty during a group stage match. Although they reach the semifinals stage, fans weren’t happy with France’s performances. Didier Deschamps’ men will look to lay down a marker and start their Nations League campaign with a bang. Hence, proving that their performances during the Euros was just a momentary blip. The 2020-21 Nations League champions are gunning for another title, and anything less than a victory will be classified as a failure. 

However, standing in their way is Italy. The Azzurri, who basked in the glory of their 2020 Euros triumph under Roberto Mancini, have since hit a rough patch. That victory feels like a distant memory, especially after the heartbreak of missing out on the 2022 World Cup—a failure that led to Mancini's resignation. Now, with Luciano Spalletti at the helm, Italy is in a rebuilding phase. However, their 2024 Euros campaign ended in disappointment with a round of 16 exit to Switzerland, signaling there's still plenty of work to be done to reach the heights of 2021.  

Tonight’s clash at Parc des Princes against France is more than just a game—it's a statement opportunity for both sides. Italy will be eager to prove they’re on the rise again, while France looks to shake off the doubts that linger after their lackluster Euros showing. And what better stage to do it on than their first competitive meeting in 16 years? This matchup of European heavyweights promises to be a thriller, packed with the kind of intensity and drama that makes international football so captivating. 

France vs Italy – Team News and Updates 

Italy will be missing some key players for tonight's showdown. Gianluca Scamacca is sidelined after an ACL injury, and Nicolo Barella is out due to a scheduled sinus surgery. In total, Luciano Spalletti is without eight of his Euros squad members, including Gianluca Mancini and Jorginho. On the flip side, there are some fresh faces in the mix, with first call-ups for Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli. Spalletti has also recalled Destiny Udogie, Moise Kean, and Sandro Tonali as he looks to rebuild. After some tactical experiments in Germany, Spalletti has hinted at sticking with a back three, which means we might see Giacomo Raspadori and Atalanta’s in-form striker Mateo Retegui leading the line in a 3-5-2 setup. 

On the other hand, Didier Deschamps has mostly stuck with his Euro 2024 squad for the Nations League fixtures. However, he’s decided to drop free agent Adrien Rabiot and Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard. Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, who shone at the Olympics with seven goal involvements as France won silver, has earned his first call-up. There’s also a chance for new Roma signing Manu Kone to make his senior debut. 

In addition, Loic Bade, another Olympic standout, was brought in after Chelsea's Wesley Fofana withdrew to focus on regaining fitness after a lengthy injury absence. Ferland Mendy has also pulled out, with Aston Villa's Lucas Digne stepping in as his replacement. Italy-based Matteo Guendouzi has been called up to add some depth in midfield. 

France vs Italy – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 7th September 2024 (Saturday) at Parc Des Prince in Paris. The match will kick off at 12:15 AM (Indian Standard Time).      

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