Last gathering of the year for the French team. Held in check Thursday evening during the reception of Israel (0-0), Didier Deschamps’ men travel to Milan this evening to challenge Italy as part of the 6th and final day of the group stage League of Nations. Second at kick-off, the Blues, already qualified for the quarter-finals, are already condemned to achieve a small feat to finish at the top of their group.
An arduous mission, especially against Luciano Spalletti’s men, who defeated Belgium (1-0) in the middle of the week and are solid leaders with a three-point lead. For this summit clash, the Nazionale should present itself in 3-5-1-1, an efficient tactical system against the Red Devils. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma will logically be renewed and protected by a three-way defense made up of Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno and Giovanni Di Lorenzo. In midfield, Davide Frattesi and Sandro Tonali should accompany Manuel Locatelli.
The Blues with Rabiot and Nkunku?
A trio which will be supported by Federico Dimarco and Federico Gatti in piston roles. Finally, Nicolo Barella will support Mateo Retegui, aligned at the forefront of the transalpine attack. For its part, the French team, deprived of Eduardo Camavinga (suspended) for this meeting, should be organized in 4-3-3. The last defense of the Blues, Mike Maignan is once again expected in the French cages. In front of him, Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, William Saliba and Lucas Digne are expected to start.
In the midfield, N’Golo Kanté and Warren Zaire-Emery should start on the bench. Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné could be aligned. On the attacking front, Michael Olise should have another opportunity to shine on the right side, despite a disappointing performance against Israel. Kingsley Coman, his teammate at Bayern Munich, is tipped to take Bradley Barcola’s place on the left wing. Finally, Didier Deschamps would consider aligning a Marcus Thuram-Christopher Nkunku duo up front.
