France vs. Italy probable line-ups for Nations League clash

Italy are expected to start Sandro Tonali behind Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori in the Nations League, while France launch Bradley Barcola, Youssouf Fofana and Michael Olise with Kylian Mbappé.

The opening match in this group kicks off at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Both sides are desperate to put the disappointment of EURO 2024 behind them and start a whole new chapter in this tournament.

Luciano Spalletti has made it clear the tactical experimentation is over, so he is adopting a 3-5-2 formation from now on, only with room to go 3-4-1-2.

Raspadori’s versatility should see him partner new Atalanta signing Retegui, while Tonali makes his return after 10 months banned for breaching betting regulations.

A surprise in midfield could be Torino’s Samuele Ricci, who would be getting his first game since Spalletti took over.

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Alessandro Bastoni has shaken off a knock to start in defence.

According to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps plans to use Mbappé as a centre-forward following the retirement of ex-Milan striker Olivier Giroud.

It could be a 4-2-3-1 formation using Milan trio Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez and Youssouf Fofana.

After impressing at the Paris Olympics, Michael Olise gets launched into the senior squad sandwiched between Randal Kolo Muani and PSG talent Bradley Barcola.

Jonathan Clauss is expected to start despite a slight muscular problem.

France vs. Italy probable line-ups

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Clauss, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Y Fofana, Kanté; Kolo Muani, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Retegui, Raspadori