Italy Aims for Victory Against France in UEFA Nations League Clash
Italy will face France at Milan’s San Siro on Thursday for Matchday 5 of the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League. Under the leadership of Roberto Mancini, the Azzurri hope to be the first team to defeat Zinédine Zidane’s France. Previously, Italy managed to halt Zidane’s perfect record by drawing 1-1 at the Stade de France during the recent international break, with Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni scoring to equalize after Michael Olise had put France ahead.
L’Equipe anticipates that four players from the Premier League will be in the starting lineup against France. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Manchester City goalkeeper, is set to take position in goal at his former home stadium in Milan. Defensively, Mancini is expected to depend on Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Brentford’s Michael Kayode to safeguard Italy’s defensive flanks.
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Italy will feature seasoned midfielders including Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Barella, and Sandro Tonali. However, Italy’s attacking line lacks in experience, boasting just 18 international caps among the trio. According to L’Equipe, Nicolo Cambiaghi, Pio Esposito, and Sebastiano Esposito will lead the front line against France.
Italy likely line-up v France
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni, Giorgio Scalvini, Michael Kayode; Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi; Nicolo Cambiaghi, Pio Esposito, Sebastiano Esposito. (L’Éq)
