France vs. Italy: Predicted Lineups and Key Player Returns

Italy anticipates fielding the Esposito brothers together once more, as Moise Kean faces fitness concerns. A reshuffled midfield and Michael Kayode's confirmed presence at right-back are also expected against France.

The match kicks off at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).

Coach Roberto Mancini indicated that striker Moise Kean is a significant doubt and may not be available for the match.

Considering this, and their strong performance in the 4-1 victory over Turkiye, brothers Pio and Sebastiano Esposito are likely to start together upfront.

The third forward in the attacking trio will not be Giacomo Raspadori or Nicolò Zaniolo, both sidelined with injuries. This opens the door for Daniel Maldini to potentially start.

While significant changes were made between the 2-0 loss to Belgium and the 4-1 win in Turkiye, the lineup against France might blend elements from both matches.

Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli are expected to retain their places from the last game. However, Inter's Nicolò Barella is anticipated to come in, replacing Davide Frattesi.

An alternative scenario involves Frattesi starting over Fagioli, though this could impact the team's creative output.

In defense, Kayode's solid performance and goal in Bursa make it highly probable he will keep his spot at right-back, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo potentially on the bench.

Riccardo Calafiori is set to return after Matteo Ruggeri's debut. The central defensive pairing is confirmed as Alessandro Bastoni and Giorgio Scalvini.

France also saw numerous changes between their victory over Turkiye and their last-minute win against Belgium.

Kylian Mbappé has been sent home due to a knee injury sustained in the initial match. However, Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Roma talent Manu Koné are expected to return to the starting XI.

Although Lucas Da Cunha impressed in Brussels, the Como player is likely to start on the bench against Italy.

Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are back in contention for the attacking trio. Désiré Doué may have done enough to secure his place.

Inter's Andy Diouf and Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu might be dropped. Reports suggest that Milan's Mike Maignan could be rested for 21-year-old Guillaume Restes, who would make his debut.

France vs. Italy probable line-ups

France (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Jacquet, Truffert; Cherki, Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Dembelé, Doué

Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Fagioli; Maldini, P Esposito, S Esposito