Italy v France: young squads set for Nations League showdown

Italy will host France on Thursday, 12 November at 19:45 GMT in the fifth round of the Nations League, with both sides forced to make significant changes because of injuries and unavailability.

The Italian coaching staff will be without several key players for the meeting with Les Bleus. Gianluca Mancini was ruled out at the start of the week and has been replaced in the squad by Matteo Palma.

Italy are also missing Moise Kean, Di Lorenzo and Locatelli. In response, the national team manager has turned to a number of younger players, including Simone Lontani, Riccardo Cassano, Mattia Liberali and Alphadjo Cisse. The quartet have been called up and could use the international break to establish themselves in the squad.

Italy’s expected line-up

Goalkeeper: Donnarumma

Defenders: Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori

Midfielders: Barella, Tonali, Fagioli

Forwards: Vergara, Pio Esposito, Zaniolo

France have also had to revise their plans before travelling to face Italy. Pierre Kalulu has been ruled out after picking up an injury, with Sael Kumbedi called into the squad in his place.

Kumbedi’s inclusion has attracted attention because he plays for Wolfsbourg in the German second division. Maghnes Akliouche is another absentee, with Pablo Pagis taking his place.

The French squad is further weakened by the unavailability of Ousmane Dembele, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, Aurelien Tchouameni and Esteban Lepaul.

There are, however, two additions to the group. Malo Gusto returns to the France squad, while Eli Junior Kroupi receives his first call-up after being brought in at short notice to replace Marcus Thuram, who is also unavailable.

Zinedine Zidane’s side will therefore arrive in Italy with changes required across the squad, while the hosts are similarly relying on younger players to fill several important gaps.

France’s expected line-up

Goalkeeper: Maignan

Defenders: Andy Diouf, Jacquet, Upamecano, Truffert

Midfielders: Cherki, Da Cunha, Camavinga

Forwards: Olise, Mbappe, Doue

The match forms part of the fifth round of the Nations League. The listed betting prices make France the favourites at 2.00, while a draw is priced at 3.72 and an Italy victory at 3.80.