Overview
The disastrous 0-0 draw against Israel in the Nations League exposed France's weaknesses without Kylian Mbappe. Throughout the match, Les Bleus had 71% possession, fired 24 shots, 8 of which were on target but failed to score.
A point against Israel makes it difficult for France to compete with Italy for the top spot, as the gap is now 3 points. In this context, Les Bleus need an away win against Italy with a difference of 2 goals or more to take the top spot in Group 2 of League A.
Italy defeated France 3-1 in the first leg at the Parc Des Princes, despite conceding a goal in the first minute. With the current situation, Italy only need 1 point to secure the top spot in the group and they will choose a safe play in the return match.
Overall, it will be very difficult for the French team to complete the goal of winning 3 points with a 2-goal difference in Italy. As mentioned, France lost 1-3 in the first leg despite having both Griezmann and Mbappe in the squad.
Currently, with the absence of many key players in the attack, France will likely have to accept 2nd place in Group 2 League A before entering the quarter-finals.
Italy's 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes in September ended a run of three straight defeats to their opponents. However, all of those victories came in friendlies.
Human resources situation
Italy could make a few changes to their line-up as they have already secured their place in the quarter-finals. The Azzurri's injury list includes Riccardo Calafiori, Samuele Ricci, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini.
On the other side of the front line, in addition to Mbappe, France will be without Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, Loic Bade and Aurelien Tchouameni. AC Milan pair Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start at home at San Siro.
Expected lineup:
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco, Barella, Kean.
France: Maignan, Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez, Kante, Rabiot, Olise, Zaire-Emery, Barcola, Thuram.
The match between Italy and France takes place at 2:45 a.m. on November 18 (Vietnam time).
