2026-2027 Nations League: France vs. Italy, Probable Lineups

A high-stakes match awaits Roberto Mancini’s Italy, as they face Zinedine Zidane’s France in Saint-Denis on Matchday 3 of the Nations League. The Azzurri are looking to build on their victory in Turkey, while the Bleus aim to reaffirm their status as one of the world’s most competitive national teams despite several key absences, most notably that of Kylian Mbappé.

Mancini appears intent on sticking with some of the lineups that emerged in recent training sessions, with a few surprises, especially on offense. Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, and Calafiori are expected to line up in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Sandro Tonali is the favorite to anchor the midfield, flanked by Barella and Fagioli, while, surprisingly, Antonio Vergara could start up front alongside brothers Sebastiano and Pio Esposito.

On the other side, Zidane can count on a roster rich in options. France is expected to field an attacking trio of Olise, Dembélé, and Doué, supported in midfield by Cherki, Koné, and Rabiot. The French are coming off two 1-0 victories—the first in Turkey with a goal by Mbappé, and the second in Belgium with a decisive goal by Olise in the 88th minute.

Probable lineups

ITALY (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Fagioli; Vergara, P. Esposito, S. Esposito. Head Coach: Mancini.

FRANCE (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Jacquet, Truffert; Cherki, Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Dembelé, Doué. Head Coach: Zidane.