Italy vs France: UEFA Nations League – preview, team news, predictions

What the report says

France are set to visit Italy at the San Siro in Milan on Thursday, November 12, for a UEFA Nations League Group A1 match that could shape the race for the quarterfinals. Al Jazeera reported that France lead the group, while Italy are second and need points to stay in contention ahead of their final fixtures.

The main team news concern is France captain Kylian Mbappe, who missed training and was described by the coaching staff as being “under treatment” for an unspecified issue. He has returned to the squad after missing three previous matches through injury, but his availability remains uncertain. France are also without several other injured players, although Ibrahima Konate and Aurelien Tchouameni are back, and Dayot Upamecano returns from suspension.

Italy, coached by Roberto Mancini in his second spell in charge, have also made changes to their squad. Roma defender Gianluca Mancini withdrew with a muscle injury and Federico Gatti replaced him, while Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Giacomo Raspadori and Moise Kean are also out. Young attackers Alphadjo Cisse, Mattia Liberali and others have been brought in as part of a youth-focused call-up. Al Jazeera noted that France are favored by the Opta supercomputer, and the teams’ most recent meeting ended 1-1 in October.