Italy will welcome France to San Siro for this match-day six clash in the UEFA Nations League. Both teams are primed for a place in the new quarter-final stage. They could both secure their spots before this game. If not, it will serve as a decider.
As of the time of writing, Italy has 10 points from four games (W3 D1) and they sit in the top spot. On the other hand, France, after suffering a defeat to the Italians in their campaign opener, has nine points from the other three matches.
Italy conceded in just 13 seconds when the two sides met back in September, but they recovered from that setback to win the contest 3-1. Goals from Federico Di Marco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori secured an unprecedented win in Paris. In the second group game, the Italians edged Israel 2-1 in Budapest with Frattesi scoring again and another goal from Moise Kean before a late consolation from Mohammad Fani for the Israelis.
Last month, Italy burst out of the blocks early, scoring within a minute of the first whistle in the 2-2 draw with Belgium. Luciano Spalletti’s side were able to put together 18 consecutive passes to set up Andrea Cambiaso’s opener at Stadio Olimpico before Mateo Retegui doubled their lead midway through the first half. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off after VAR intervened, and that changed the context of the game: Belgium scored from the resulting free kick and then went on to secure a draw. However, Italy returned to winning ways by putting four past Israel to remain top of Group 2.
Without any doubt, their European Championship defence in Germany was a disaster but they are on the brink of making a statement having beaten Les Blues in Paris. This is the final hurdle of the group stages and La Nazionale has found itself in a fantastic position.
France has made a lot of progress under Didier Deschamps – winning the World Cup and Euro Nations League. France managed to reach the last four at this year’s Euros but they were not that impressive and many felt there should be a change in their set-up and playing system. Captain Kylian Mbappe, who scored only one goal, broke his nose in the opening game against Austria and returned sporting a mask which made it difficult for him to play and eventually had effects on his team before they were knocked out.
Following the disappointment at the Euros, the long-serving coach and his side then started the Euro Nations League with a shocking 3-1 defeat to Italy at Parc des Princes. He might have led his side to win the 2021 edition of this competition, they finished in third last time out and it seems they will book their spot in the quarterfinals. In the second game against Belgium, they secured a 2-0 win before another 4-1 thumping of Israel.
An important 2-1 win over Belgium away from home then kept them in the chase behind Italy. The French side might secure a place in the quarter-final round with a win before this final group fixture – which would most likely determine the group winners. Based on the fixture before this meeting, France has probably booked their spot in the next round.
Italy and France have met 40 times. Among them, Italy has won 20 games, France has won 11 games, and nine games have produced stalemates.
Match tickets
The epic match at San Siro in Milan will kick off at 19:45 GMT on Sunday, November 17th, 2024.
The 75,817-capacity stadium will host this clash between the two European giants.
Getting Italy v France tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has finally settled with a formation and set-up following his side’s dismal outing at the Euros. Lorenzo Pellegrini is expected to make his return from suspension for this crucial game.
Forward Federico Chiesa is expected to be absent for fitness reasons. Atalanta players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are on a long absence list, while key midfielder Nicolo Barella and Fiorentina striker Moise Kean could make a return to the team. In the last window, Daniel Maldini – now following in the footsteps of Azzurri legends Paolo Maldini and Cesare Maldini – got his first cap and could be up for another opportunity here.
Italy XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori; Federico Dimarco, Sandro Tonali, N. Fagioli, D. Frattesi, A. Cambiaso; Giacomo Raspadori; Mateo Retegui.
Captain Kylian Mbappe missed the last international window and could make a return to the squad for this one. Antoine Griezmann has already announced his international retirement, meaning Didier Deschamps needs to find another system to accommodate his best players. Midfielder N’Golo Kante, who was not called up in October, could make a return alongside Adrien Rabiot who is now enjoying playing time at Marseille.
France XI: Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde; Matteo Guendouzi, Eduardo Camavinga, Manu Kone, Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele.
Prediction
The Italians have settled in since the poor Euro 2024 campaign. They might have shocked the Blues in the reverse fixture, but this game will be a different ball game entirely. If both teams sort out their match day five games, who wins the group might come down to this.
France have recovered from their opening-day loss to win their next three games. Les Blues can beat any team in the world on their A day and they will be needing that in this fixture. Didier Deschamps’ men have won both of their Euro Nations League away games this season and here is a chance to make it 3 out of 3.
This is going to be another interesting episode in this famous clash. A draw might just be the best result.
Italy 2-2 France