The Italy vs France UEFA Nations League match will take place at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on Thursday, November 12.
While their last clash ended in a 1-1 draw, France are the favourites ahead of the match, but Italy will fancy their chances on their home soil as well. However, the Italy vs France match is likely to be a battle between France’s attack and Italy’s defence.
Three Key Battles to Watch Out for in Italy vs France
1. Riccardo Calafiori vs Michael Olise
Riccardo Calafiori is likely to start as the left-back in the Italy vs France match. He has been having a good season in the Arsenal defence, with his team looking like the favourites to defend their Premier League title.
However, coming up against Michael Olise, who is arguably the best right-winger in world football along with Lamine Yamal, is not an easy task. Olise has six goals and four assists in nine matches for Bayern Munich this season so far, thereby averaging more than a goal contribution every match. Stopping him will be an arduous task.
2. Sandro Tonali vs Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki is likely to start as the No.10 for France and should have a good battle with Tonali in the middle of the park in the Italy vs France match. Cherki has five goals and two assists for Manchester City in nine matches this season so far.
Sandro Tonali is having a mixed season for Tottenham Hotspur, and it will not be an easy task for him to stop Cherki from providing the spark for France. However, it should be an interesting battle.
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3. Alessandro Bastoni vs Desire Doue
Kylian Mbappe will not play in the Italy vs France match, which probably means that Desire Doue will start as the False nine in the match. Mbappe has 17 goals in 16 matches for Real Madrid this season and will be missed.
However. Doue has scored five goals for Paris Saint-Germain so far and will look to impress against the Italian defence. Bastoni, being the most experienced Italian centre-back, will have to deal with Doue.
Extra Time Notes
Italy vs France has often been an exciting match in the past, and Thursday’s one should not be any exception. Under Roberto Mancini, Italy have shown some resurgence, but stopping France again will be quite difficult for them.
On the other hand, under Zinedine Zidane, France will look to extend their lead at the top of the table. France’s attack is probably the best in the world and should fancy their chances of scoring against any defence in the world.
Hence, Italy’s job will be difficult. However, the Azzurri cannot afford to be too defensive in the Italy vs France match either. They will have to go into attack from time to time and take the attack to Les Bleus.
Overall, it should be an absorbing match, but the French will undoubtedly be the favourites. It remains to be seen whether the two countries, who have six World Cup titles between them, are able to produce another classic on Thursday on the hallowed turf of San Siro.
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