In the absence of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé will captain the France national team tonight in what will be Zinédine Zidane’s first game on home soil as manager of Les Bleus.
Against Italy, Zidane must contend with several other absentees, including Robin Risser, Ibrahima Konaté, and Warren Zaire-Emery. Konaté’s absence in particular gives Liverpool’s Jérémy Jacquet another opportunity to impress in defence. Adrien Truffert, who was rotated out of the side for the win over Belgium on Monday, is expected to return at left-back.
Looking to maintain their 100% start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, it is expected to be another attacking France side that will include Rayan Cherki once again in the midfield and Dembélé in the No.9 position.
Mike Maignan; Adrien Truffert, Dayot Upamecano, Jérémy Jacquet, Jules Koundé; Manu Koné, Lucas Da Cunha, Rayan Cherki; Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise. (L’Éq)
