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Italy is set to close out the Nations League group stage with another stellar performance, this time against a hungry and frustrated France. The French team is seeking redemption after a lackluster home draw against Israel, which jeopardized their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals as group leaders.
Thanks to a vital 0-1 victory in Brussels, secured by Tonali, Italy is on the brink of claiming the top spot. A draw or a loss by no more than two goals would suffice. However, the Azzurri will need a high-level performance to contain a French side loaded with youthful talent and top-tier quality.
The Italian squad under Luciano Spalletti showed great promise in Belgium, instilling confidence for the remainder of the tournament. The integration of fresh faces, such as Nicolò Rovella in a playmaking role and Nicolò Barella as an attacking midfielder, has impressed the Tuscan coach. "This nation will always have 30 strong players," Spalletti remarked, signaling his satisfaction with his team's growth and their ability to absorb his guidance.
Successfully navigating a group featuring Belgium, Israel, and France is a breath of fresh air compared to Euro 2024, where the Azzurri struggled. The underwhelming performance against Switzerland now feels like a distant memory.
France, on the other hand, is grappling with challenges in both form and results. The 0-0 draw at the Stade de France against Israel is the latest in a series of warning signs, following a lackluster Nations League campaign in the previous break. While their win in Belgium provided some relief, it was a hard-fought victory despite the positive result. To overcome this carefree and confident Italian team, France will need more than a solid performance.
Adding to their struggles is the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who has been left out of the squad for the second consecutive time amid a delicate phase in his career.
