Sun Nov 17 21:57:36 UTC 2024: ## Italy and France Clash in Nations League Showdown at San Siro

**Milan, Italy** – Italy and France will face off in a highly anticipated Nations League clash at the San Siro tonight (19:45 GMT), despite both teams already securing their places in the quarter-finals. While the stakes might seem low, the winner of Group A1 will earn top seed status in the upcoming draw. Italy, needing only a point to achieve this, could even afford a single-goal defeat depending on goal difference.

A last-minute change sees Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario starting in goal for Italy, replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma who is sidelined by a stomach bug. This is Vicario’s fourth cap and he will captain the side. Midfielder Manuel Locatelli also features, replacing Nicolo’ Rovella in the starting XI, while other speculated changes, such as the inclusion of Daniel Maldini and Moise Kean, did not materialize. Italy’s lineup features several key players, including Nicolo Barella and Mateo Retegui.

France, meanwhile, will be without several key players. Theo Hernandez is absent due to a knee injury, while Eduardo Camavinga is suspended. Aurelien Tchaouameni, Ousmane Dembele, and Wesley Fofana also miss out. Manager Didier Deschamps has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Marcus Thuram, Christopher Nkunku, and Manu Koné. Matteo Guendouzi also starts for Les Bleus.

Italy has enjoyed a dominant group stage, winning all but one game (a 2-2 draw against Belgium while a man down) – including a memorable 3-1 victory over France in Paris back in September. This match promises to be another thrilling encounter between two European heavyweights. The game can be followed live on our Nations League Liveblog.

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