Italy vs. France probable line-ups: Injuries dictate Nations League teams
Italy are anticipated to field Pio Esposito, Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori, and Michael Kayode in the penultimate Nations League fixture, whereas France will depend on Michael Olise due to Kylian Mbappé’s absence.
The match begins at San Siro, also known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, on Thursday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
Only the top two teams from Group A1 advance to the Nations League quarter-finals, with France currently leading on 10 points, followed by Italy on seven and Belgium on six.
The final round features the Azzurri and Red Devils facing each other in Brussels, while France host bottom-placed Turkiye.
BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 05: Roberto Mancini, Manager of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini is expected to implement his customary 4-3-3 formation, though there are significant uncertainties regarding the starting lineup.
Brentford right-back Kayode appears to have secured his place, while Arsenal’s Calafiori at left-back means Inter’s Federico Dimarco is likely to be dropped to the bench.
An alternative approach would involve shifting Calafiori to central defence alongside Alessandro Bastoni, thereby starting Dimarco and benching Giorgio Scalvini.
BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Sandro Tonali during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
In midfield, Davide Frattesi and Tonali seem certain of their spots, with Inter’s Nicolò Barella the favourite to complete the trio.
Inter striker Pio Esposito is poised to lead the attack, but the remaining two positions in the front three remain uncertain.
His older brother Sebastiano Esposito is the primary candidate for the right side ahead of Como’s Mattia Liberali, while Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi appears to be ahead of Luca Koleosho on the left.
France coach Zinedine Zidane on the touchline during the Nations League match with Italy in Paris (@equipedefrance)
France enter this match without Real Madrid striker Mbappé due to a hamstring injury, and notably he was also absent when the two sides drew 1-1 in Paris on October 2.
He is not the only absentee, as they have also ruled out Marcus Thuram, Pierre Kalulu, Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Koné, William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Ousmane Dembélé, Maghnes Akliouche, and Esteban Lepaul.
Consequently, the front three will likely consist of Olise, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola, although the specific order remains to be determined.
Barcola was not originally selected as a centre-forward but may need to adapt to the role given the circumstances.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium shoots under pressure from Bradley Barcola of France during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
If not, then Eli Junior Kroupi or 20-year-old late addition Senny Mayulu could serve as wild card alternatives to start as Number 9.
Serie A representation comes from Milan pair Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, while Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha is expected to start, although Eduardo Camavinga waits in the wings.
In defence, Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert is the favourite over Inter’s Andy Diouf for left-back, with either Ibrahim Konaté or Jérémy Jacquet likely to feature in central defence.
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 02: Rayan Cherki of France reacts alongside teammate Adrien Rabiot before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between France and Italy at Stade de France on October 02, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pauline Figuet/Getty Images)
Italy vs. France probable line-ups
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; S Esposito, Pio Esposito, Cambiaghi
France (4-3-3): Maignan; Gusto, Konaté, Upamecano, Truffert; Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot; Olise, Barcola, Doué
