Italy takes on France in the UEFA Nations League at Paris, with kick-off scheduled for 20.45 local time (UTC+2). Corriere della Sera reported that the Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini placed midfielder Nicolò Barella on the bench while continuing to deploy the Esposito brothers in the starting attack.
The fixture at the Parc des Princes follows a difficult start to the tournament campaign for the Italian side. Rainews.it noted that the Azzurri opened their Nations League schedule with a 2-0 defeat against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, before recovering with a victory in Turkey that defender Giorgio Scalvini described to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as crucial for building squad confidence.
Lineup Decisions and Starting XI Choices in Paris
Manager Roberto Mancini confirmed his formation ahead of the match, keeping NicolBarella among the substitutes while trusting the Esposito brothers to lead the offensive line, according to Gazzetta.it.
In defense, Giorgio Scalvini returns to prominence following his recovery and recent appearances. Speaking to the FIGC, Scalvini emphasized the squad’s positive mindset heading into the French capital. The team aims to test its tactical identity against a French side renowned for exceptional speed and attacking depth.
Fans Whistle Donnarumma as France Threatens Italian Defense
The atmosphere at the venue turned hostile toward goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the pre-match warm-ups, with Gazzetta.it reporting that sections of the crowd directed whistles at the Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper.
Corriere dello Sport highlighted the threat posed by France’s set-piece specialists, pointing specifically to Michael Olise’s precision from dead-ball situations as a primary concern for the Italian rearguard. La Repubblica’s live coverage tracks the minute-by-minute developments of the Group A1 fixture as both nations fight for crucial group-stage points.
