Italy is anticipated to start Sandro Tonali behind Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori in the Nations League, while France will start Bradley Barcola, Youssouf Fofana, and Michael Olise with Kylian Mbappé.
On Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), the opening match in this group will take place at Paris’ Parc des Princes.
Both teams are desperate to put the disappointment of EURO 2024 behind them and begin a fresh chapter in this tournament.
Luciano Spalletti has stated that tactical experimentation is ended, and he will now use a 3-5-2 configuration with the option of switching to a 3-4-1-2.
Raspadori’s versatility should allow him to complement new Atalanta signing Retegui, while Tonali returns following a 10-month suspension for violating betting restrictions.
Torino’s Samuele Ricci, who would be playing in his debut game under Spalletti, may be a surprise midfielder.
Alessandro Bastoni has recovered from a knock and will start in defence.
According to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps intends to utilize Mbappé as a centre-forward following the retirement of ex-Milan striker Olivier Giroud.
It might be a 4-2-3-1 configuration with Milan’s Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, and Youssouf Fofana.
After impressing at the Paris Olympics, Michael Olise is promoted to the senior squad, sandwiched between Randal Kolo Muani and PSG star Bradley Barcola.
Jonathan Clauss is scheduled to start despite a minor musc
France vs. Italy potential lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Clauss, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Y Fofana, Kanté; Kolo Muani, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Retegui, Raspadori
