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After a disappointing Euro 2024, Italy are back and will debut their Nations League campaign in Paris against France to start a new cycle under coach Luciano Spalletti. Didier Deschamps’ side were eliminated in the semi-finals against Spain, while the Azzurri were eliminated in a disastrous defeat by Switzerland in the round of 16. Italy and France are part of Group 2 of League A of the Nations League, alongside Belgium and Israel. Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Friday September 6 | Time: 2:45 PM ET
- Location: Parc de Princes – Paris, France
- TV: FS2 | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Chances: France -155; Sign +225; Italy +425
Team news
France: Deschamps did not change much in his squad compared to the last tournament, despite two big names such as Inter’s Benjamin Pavard and free agent Adrien Rabiot being left out of the squad for the opening match against Italy. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe are expected to support Inter striker Marcus Thuram, who will lead the attack.
Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Zaire-Emery; Dembélé, Thuram, Mbappé.
Italy: Spalletti’s team, on the other hand, has to change a lot compared to the European Championship show. The Azzurri are expected to play with a 3-4-2-1, with Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui leading the attack, while Lorenzo Pellegrini and Mattia Zaccagni will support him.
Possible Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Fagioli, Frattesi, Dimarco; Pellegrini, Zaccagni; Retegui.
Prediction
France is expected to start with a win against Italy, even if the Azzurri need to respond after the summer’s disappointment. Choose: France 2, Italy 1.