Giampiero Ventura picks the first XI of his Italy reign against Paul Pogba’s France, but initially tries to build on Antonio Conte’s side.
It kicks off at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT), follow the build-up and action on our LIVEBLOG.
The new Coach replaced Conte at Bari and does so again in the Nazionale seat.
Giampiero Ventura picks the first XI of his Italy reign against Paul Pogba’s France, but initially tries to build on Antonio Conte’s side.
It kicks off at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT), follow the build-up and action on our LIVEBLOG.
The new Coach replaced Conte at Bari and does so again in the Nazionale seat.
Ventura explained that because he has barely had any time to work with the squad, he’s focusing on the players who did so well with Conte at Euro 2016 – and the 3-5-2 system too.
Leonardo Bonucci is absent due to personal reasons, so Davide Astori steps into the Juventus trio at the back.
Antonio Candreva and Marco Parolo aren’t club teammates at Lazio any more, but can still link up down the right for the Azzurri.
Daniele De Rossi gets the nod in midfield with Milan’s Giacomo Bonaventura – who was not even at the Euros – and Mattia De Sciglio.
Many assumed Graziano Pellè’s Italy career was over when he moved to China for Shandong Luneng, but here he partners Eder.
Torino striker Andrea Belotti is widely expected to make his senior Italy debut in the second half, having scored five goals in the first two Serie A games of the season – and that’s with having two penalties saved.
Italy will unveil their new white Puma away kit in this match.
France are still stinging from the Euro 2016 ‘home’ Final defeat to Portugal in extra time.
Didier Deschamps is no stranger to Italian soil after his time at Juventus as both player and Coach.
He again looks to Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi and new Chelsea signing N'Golo Kante, but all eyes are on Antoine Griezmann after his sensational season.
There’s something extra special about this clash, as it’s also the debut for VAR technology – Video Assistant Referees – so officials will be communicating with Bjorn Kuipers.
However, as it’s still at the early testing stage, it will be ‘offline’ – without interrupting the match.
Because of that, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice-Secretary General Zvonimir Boban will be in the stands and take part in tomorrow’s Press conference on the technology.
Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Astori, Chiellini; Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Bonaventura, De Sciglio; Pellè, Eder
Italy bench: Donnarumma, Marchetti, Antonelli, Ogbonna, Rugani, Bernardeschi, Florenzi, Montolivo, Verratti, Belotti, Gabbiadini, Immobile, Pavoletti
France: Mandanda; Sidibe, Varane, Koscielny, Kurzawa; Pogba, Kanté, Matuidi; Griezmann, Giroud, Martial
France bench: Areola, Costil, Corchia, Digne, Rami, Umtiti, Kondogbia, Payet, Sissoko, Dembele, Gignac, Gameiro