UEFA Nations League: France Vs Italy, Annoying UERo's 2024 Failure

Kylian Mbappe, who scored only one goal at EURO 2024 (photo: uefa.com)

JAKARTA - The fight between the two international football giants will be presented on Friday night or Saturday 7 September morning WIB, when France and Italy begin a new UEFA Nations League campaign at the Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris. Both teams have big ambitions to improve their performances after unsatisfactory results at the UEFA Euro 2024.

Although France managed to reach the semifinals of Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by Spain who eventually won, Les Bleus did not appear convincing. Randal Kolo Muani's quick goal in the semifinals gave them hope, but it was their only goal outside of a dead ball situation and an own goal.

Kylian Mbappe, who scored just one goal, came under performance after experiencing a broken nose in the opener against Austria. He had to play by wearing a mask, which seemed to affect his game.

France coach Didier Deschamps has also again been criticized for his tactics which are considered too defensive. However, Deschamps, who has handled France for a long time, will return to lead his team in the UEFA Nations League this season.

France won the Nations League in 2021, but in their last campaign they only finished third in the group. This season, they can no longer perform poorly, because the team that finishes at the bottom of the group will automatically be relegated, while third-placed teams have to go through a playoffs to avoid going down to League B.

Italy, on the other hand, experienced great disappointment at Euro 2024. Despite qualifying from the group stage thanks to Mattia Zaccagni's goal in the final minutes against Croatia, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Switzerland. Coach Luciano Spalletti promised to bring consistency and clarity in his tactics, while combining young players into the squad.

Italy came up with a big challenge against France, having lost their last three friendly matches against Les Bleus. This will also be the team's first competitive meeting in 16 years, given the classic rivalry ever to take place in the 2006 World Cup final.

Coach Didier Deschamps still maintains most of his squad from Euro 2024, although several names such as Adrien Rabiot and Benjamin Pavard were not called up. Michael Olise, who shined at the Olympics with seven goals, got his first call. Loic Bade was added to the squad after Wesley Fofana stepped down due to fitness issues.

In the Italian camp, Gianluca Scamacca was absent due to an ACL injury, while Nicolo Barella had to undergo a sine operation. However, there are young players like Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli who get their first chance, as well as several players who return, such as Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali.

Player Composition Forecast

France (4-3-3):Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Zare-Emery; Dembele, Thuram, Mbappe

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Ricci, Tonali, Frattesi, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui