Under the lights at the Stade de France, Italy are preparing for Friday’s 20:45 meeting with France with Roberto Mancini still keeping his selections behind closed doors. After two Nations League matches in which he has reshaped his side extensively, the Italy coach declined to reveal his intended starting line-up on Thursday evening.
One decision is already clear: Gianluigi Donnarumma will start. The goalkeeper is set to make his third consecutive appearance in the XI under Mancini, returning to the stadium where he has known some of the defining nights of his international career.
Sandro Tonali could also be handed another start in midfield, while 21-year-old striker Pio Esposito is in contention after making a strong impression in Monday’s 4-1 victory in Turkey. Both players could feature for the third time during the international window.
Moise Kean is the leading candidate to play in attack, although his place remains subject to a final fitness check on Friday morning after recent physical discomfort. Mancini’s final call will determine whether Italy arrive in Saint-Denis with continuity in key areas or another of the changes that have marked their Nations League campaign so far.
