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Italy vs France: UEFA Nations League – preview, team news, predictions
Italy host France at the San Siro on Thursday in a key Nations League Group A1 match, with France able to secure a quarter-final place with a win. Italy are second and need a strong result to stay ahead of Belgium before their final group match.
France lead the group by three points over Italy, who are one point ahead of Belgium. France drew 1-1 with Italy in October, when Michael Olise scored for France and Alessandro Bastoni equalised; Kylian Mbappe’s fitness is uncertain after he missed training. Italy have called up four new players, including 20-year-old AC Milan forward Alphadjo Cisse, who has scored seven goals in 12 matches.
In short
- France can clinch a quarter-final place by beating Italy.
- Italy sit second, three points behind France.
- Mbappe missed training; Italy have four new call-ups.
Explained simply
The UEFA Nations League is an international competition for European national teams, played in groups before some sides advance to knockout rounds. Italy and France are in Group A1, where results determine who progresses and how teams finish in the standings.
France, led by coach Didier Deschamps, are three points ahead of Italy, coached by Luciano Spalletti. Belgium are also in the group and sit just behind Italy, so the remaining matches affect which teams advance. The teams drew their earlier meeting 1-1, with Michael Olise and Alessandro Bastoni scoring.
The match is at Milan’s San Siro stadium. France’s Kylian Mbappé is a leading forward, while Italy have brought in several new players, including young AC Milan striker Alphadjo Cisse; the result could shape both teams’ routes through the competition.
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