Italy Faces France in Nations League Showdown Without Mbappe

As Italy prepares for a crucial matchup against France in the Nations League, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has shared his relief over Kylian Mbappe's absence from Les Bleus' roster. Addressing the press from the Italian camp at Appiano Gentile, Donnarumma recognized the gap created by his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, whose exclusion by Didier Deschamps has sparked significant discussion internationally.

France's prominent forward, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, was omitted from Deschamps' squad following a lackluster beginning to his time in Spain. Although Deschamps has not disclosed details about the decision, Mbappe's absence was clearly felt during France's difficult goalless draw with Israel last week. For Italy, this situation slightly shifts the odds in their favor as they strive to secure the top position in Group A2 with a strong performance at the San Siro.

"It's a significant absence. I'm familiar with him, and he is one of the top players in the world," Donnarumma acknowledged. "If he were here, he would undoubtedly pose challenges for us. Nevertheless, France is full of quality. Even in Mbappe's absence, they have players who can threaten us with their energy and skills."

Italy's journey in the Nations League has been one of revival. Following their disappointment at Euro 2020, Luciano Spalletti has guided the squad back to a strong performance, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. As they approach Sunday’s match, Italy enjoys a three-point lead over France, requiring only to steer clear of a significant loss to secure the top position.

The resilience of the Italian team was clearly evident during Thursday's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels, where Sandro Tonali scored his first international goal. Tonali praised the sense of camaraderie within the squad, highlighting the revitalized enthusiasm in the camp. “We couldn’t wait to come together after each international break. The team spirit here is remarkable,” he remarked.

The only setback in their campaign—a 2-2 draw with Belgium last month—showcased Italy’s determination. Even after being down to 10 players for more than half the match following a quick 2-0 advantage, they were able to earn a draw.

For France, the objectives are straightforward: they must secure a victory by a margin of at least two goals to take the top position in the group. However, the lack of Mbappe adds complexity to Deschamps' challenge. In his absence, France appeared fragmented during their match against Israel, leading to concerns about their capability to perform when it matters most.

The match at San Siro signifies more than merely contending for group dominance—it serves as a critical assessment of both teams' resilience. Italy is thriving on a united revival, whereas France needs to quickly adjust to compensate for the loss of their star player.

Looking back on their journey, Donnarumma conveyed a sense of assurance. “Following the Euros, we required a spark. Now, Italy is playing like the old Italy once more,” he remarked. “Our goal is to continue improving, have fun, and provide the fans with reasons to celebrate.”

Thanks to Spalletti’s strategic insight and the team’s enhanced unity, the Azzurri are set to create yet another unforgettable evening at the San Siro. On the other hand, France confronts the challenging mission of demonstrating their ability to perform well in the absence of their standout player, turning this match into a highly intriguing and meaningful event.

The stage is prepared for an exciting finale to Group A2—where Italy's determination confronts France's urgency. For supporters, it guarantees a showcase of high-stakes international football.