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One of the more star-studded fixtures in the Nations League this week sees France host Italy.
Both nations are coming disappointment at the European Championships, so will be hoping to bounce back in their next competitive match.
Match Preview
France recent form
Les Bleus actually made it to the semi-final stage of the Euros where they were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat versus Spain.
However, their overall performances left a lot to be desired as they only scored four goals in six matches, emerging victorious on only two occasions versus Austria and Belgium.
Only one of those goals scored came from a French player in open play, as the others were penalties or own-goals.
France injury news
Wesley Fofana, Ferland Mendy and Aurelien Tchouameni have all pulled out of the squad after being initially called up.
They have been replaced by Loic Balde, Lucas Digne and Matteo Guendouzi.
There were rumours that Kylian Mbappe may be rested for this round of Nations League action, but he has been called up by Didier Deschamps.
Adrien Rabiot and Benjamin Pavard miss out, but Michael Olise has earned a senior call-up for the first time.
Italy recent form
Italy suffered a harsher fate at the Euros as they didn’t even make it out of the group stage. They lost against Spain, drew against Croatia and lost versus Switzerland in their three matches.
They scored just one goal.
Italy injury news
There is a new look to Luciano Spaletti’s Italy squad as no less than eight players from the Euros squad don’t feature in the new one, including Gianluca Scamacca, Nicolo Barella, Gianluca Mancini and Jorginho.
Caleb Okoli and Marco Brescianini have been called up for the first time, while Destiny Udogie, Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali all return.
Liverpool new boy Federico Chiesa isn’t involved as he hasn’t played a competitive minute yet this campaign.
France – Player to Watch?
Mbappe has arguably not been at his best since he broke his nose at the Euros, and that includes his first handful of matches for Real Madrid. He might look at the Nations League as a good competition to kickstart his season.
Italy – Player to Watch?
One man who is just desperate to play football at the moment is Sandro Tonali, who made his return from a length ban for betting just a week ago.
He missed the Euros because of that suspension, so will be eager to be back in blue.
Neither side were even close to their best at the tournament in Germany and the hangover from that will still be lingering.
