Italy Prepares for Showdown with France in Nations League

As Italy prepares for a crucial match against France in the Nations League, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed appreciation for Kylian Mbappe's absence from the French squad. Speaking from the Italian camp in Appiano Gentile, Donnarumma recognized the gap created by his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, whose exclusion by Didier Deschamps has become a major topic of discussion internationally.

The standout forward for France, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, did not make it into Deschamps' squad following a disappointing beginning to his time in Spain. Although Deschamps has not disclosed the reasons behind this choice, Mbappe's absence was clearly felt during France's laborious goalless draw against Israel last week. For Italy, his lack of presence slightly shifts the odds in their favor as they look to secure the top position in Group A2 with a strong performance at the San Siro.

“His absence is significant. I'm familiar with him, and he’s among the top players globally,” Donnarumma acknowledged. “If he were here, he would definitely pose challenges for us. However, France is full of quality. Even in Mbappe's absence, they possess players capable of causing us problems with their energy and skills.”

The Azzurri's journey in the Nations League has been marked by a remarkable comeback. Following their disappointment at Euro 2020, Luciano Spalletti has successfully guided the team back to competitiveness, achieving an unbeaten streak in the group stage. As they approach Sunday's match, Italy holds a three-point advantage over France, requiring merely to evade a substantial loss to clinch the top position.

The Italian team's resolve was prominently showcased during Thursday’s tough 1-0 victory against Belgium in Brussels, where Sandro Tonali scored his first international goal. Tonali praised the camaraderie among the players, highlighting the revitalized spirit within the group. “We were eager to come together after every international break. The atmosphere here is fantastic,” he remarked.

Their only setback in the campaign—a 2-2 draw with Belgium last month—further showcased Italy's resilience. After taking a 2-0 lead, they found themselves down to 10 men for more than half of the match, yet they still succeeded in securing a point.

For France, the objective is straightforward: secure a victory by at least two goals to take the top spot in the group. Nonetheless, Mbappe's absence makes Deschamps' challenge more difficult. The team appeared fragmented in their match against Israel without their star forward, which has sparked concerns regarding their capability to perform under pressure.

The matchup at San Siro is more than simply a contest for group dominance—it serves as a crucial test of resilience for both teams. Italy is benefitting from a collective revival, while France needs to quickly adjust to fill the gap left by their star player.

Looking back on their journey, Donnarumma conveyed a sense of assurance. “Following the Euros, we required a spark. Now, Italy has returned to its true form,” he stated. “Our goal is to continue enhancing our performance, have fun, and provide the fans with reasons to celebrate.”

Thanks to Spalletti's strategic prowess and the team’s enhanced unity, the Azzurri are set to create another unforgettable evening at the San Siro. On the other hand, France confronts the challenging opportunity to demonstrate their capability to triumph in the absence of their star player, which adds a layer of intrigue and importance to this matchup.

The atmosphere is charged for an exciting finale to Group A2—where Italy's determination collides with France's urgency. For supporters, it is expected to showcase a remarkable display of intense international football.