France Vs Italy Predicted Lineups: Dembélé And Doué Set To Start In Nations League

France are set to line up in an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation. Benched during the previous away match, Ousmane Dembélé is expected to return to the starting XI. He would link up with Désiré Doué and Michael Olise across the frontline.

Head coach Zinédine Zidane has to navigate several high-profile absences for this autumn international window. Captain Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to a knee injury. The withdrawals of Warren Zaïre-Emery, William Saliba, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ibrahima Konaté, Hugo Ekitiké and Jean-Philippe Mateta further limit the available choices.

In midfield, the unit is expected to be built around a trio featuring Rayan Cherki, Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot. This middle three would shield a central defensive partnership pairing Dayot Upamecano with Maxence Lacroix, flanked by full-backs Jules Koundé and Adrien Truffert. Playing in front of Mike Maignan, this backline aims for consistency after keeping 2 consecutive clean sheets.

Italy, managed by Roberto Mancini, also set up in a 4-3-3 formation. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal for the Azzurri against several of his club teammates. This high-profile clash provides a highly anticipated test for the Italian shot-stopper.

The Italian backline undergoes major adjustments following injuries to Federico Dimarco, Andrea Cambiaso, and Alessandro Buongiorno. Giovanni Di Lorenzo slots in at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori starts on the left flank. In central defense, the pairing relies on the partnership between Giorgio Scalvini and Alessandro Bastoni.

The Italian midfield deals with the absences of Bryan Cristante and Manuel Locatelli, alongside uncertainty surrounding the availability of Nicolo Barella. In attack, the front line is trusted to a dynamic trio featuring Moise Kean, Pio Esposito, and Giacomo Raspadori. Up against a French side unbeaten across their last 4 direct meetings, this forward line needs to be fully clinical.

Sitting top of Group 1 in the UEFA Nations League with 2 wins from 2 matches, France aim to consolidate their lead. The consecutive 1-0 away victories against Turkey and Belgium allow Les Bleus to head into this blockbuster clash with genuine composure. Securing another win over the Italians would open up a decisive gap in the qualification race.

This continental football classic clash kicks off on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:45 PM local time at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The match is broadcast live and unencrypted on TF1. A standout display on the international stage gives the Parisians a welcome confidence boost before hosting Le Mans on October 10 at the Parc des Princes.