UEFA Nations League: Olise and Upamecano return to France’s lineup against Italy
| Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images |
France will entertain Italy in Zinedine Zidane’s first game at Stade de France as the head coach of Les Bleus. The former Juventus star was the scorer of the first goal at the iconic stadium in 1998 before doing it twice in the final of that year’s World Cup against Brazil.
The 54-year-old made headlines when supersub Michael Olise scored a solo goal against Belgium to secure another 1-0 win for France. The winger is now back in the starting lineup, while fellow FC Bayern star Dayot Upamecano will play alongside Jeremy Jacquet at the heart of France’s defense.
As for the visitors, 2. Bundesliga sensation Mohamed Ali Zoma will hope to make his second appearance for Azzurri. The Nürnberg star is now back in Italy’s matchday squad after Roberto Mancini dropped him from the team that faced Türkiye.
Former Borussia Dortmund star Ousmane Dembélé captains France in the absence of Kylian Mbappé. In the other game from the group, Belgium host Türkiye.
Confirmed France vs. Italy Lineups
France: Maignan; Truffert, Upamecano, Jacquet, Kalulu; Rabiot, Da Cunha, Cherki; Doué, Dembélé ©, Olise
Italy: Donnarumma ©; Calafiori, Bastoni, Scalvini, Kayode; Fagioli, Tonali, Frattesi; S. Esposito, Kean, F. Esposito
