Italy Vs France: Eternal Rivality In San Siro To Determine UEFA Nations League Group Champion
JAKARTA Italy and France, two teams of European football giants, will return to meet in San Siro, Sunday night, November 17 in the final match of Group A League 2 UEFA Nations League. Although both have confirmed their place in the quarter-finals, the top position of the group remains at stake.
Italy came with high confidence after appearing unbeaten throughout the group phase. A 1-0 narrow win over Belgium in the previous match, thanks to Sandro Tonali's quick goal, ensures they lead the standings comfortably. Under the command of Luciano Spalletti, the Azzurri have shown extraordinary stability since their failure at Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, France had to face heavy pressure after a goalless draw against Israel at the Stade de France. With just three wins from five group games, Didier Deschamps squad is now required to win by a two-goal difference to shift Italy from the top position.
The meeting also marks a new chapter in the long rivalry between the two teams that have made epic history, including the Euro 2000 final which France won and the 2006 World Cup final which ended in Italy's win on penalties.
Italy, which has confirmed a move into the next round, is expected to make some player rotations. Mateo Retegui, their mainstay striker, is likely to be replaced by Moise Kean, who is in brilliant form with Fiorentina. Nicolo Barella is still the centerline foundation, but could be replaced by Giacomo Raspadori to keep the core player's fitness ahead of the knockout stages.
On the other hand, France still has not been strengthened by Kylian Mbappe, who is absent for no apparent reason. They also lost several main players such as Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, and Aurelien Tchouameni due to injury. However, Les Bleus still has solid frontline strength with Theo Hernandez and Marcus Thuram is expected to be the mainstay in attack.
The match is expected to be fierce, with Italy relying on solid defense forces and quick counter-attacks. Meanwhile, France, despite the pressure, will play aggressively to score the two goals they need.
With the full support of the public of San Siro, Italy is more favored to maintain the top position of the group. The final score is predicted to end in a 1-1 draw, enough to bring the Azzurri to advance as group winners to the quarter-finals which will be held next March.
Forecast of the Italy Lineup (3-5-1-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Kean.
France (4-2-3-1):Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Zare-Emery, Barcola; Thuram.