Italy preparing for Paris test against France in Nations League
The Italy national team travels to Paris this week to face France at the Stade de France in their third Nations League match on Friday, with defender Giorgio Scalvini framing the encounter as a crucial measuring stick for the squad's progress under coach Roberto Mancini.
Speaking from Coverciano, the Italian Football Federation's technical centre near Florence, Scalvini did not downplay the challenge ahead. France are among the best in the world, he told reporters, noting their opponents possess superior quality and speed in attack. Yet the Atalanta defender struck a confident tone, saying Italy would "try to play with an open face" and approach the game with positivity and courage.
Confidence building after Turkey victory
The Azzurri arrive in Paris buoyed by their recent performance. A convincing 4-1 win against Turkey provided what Scalvini called a new awareness of the team's capabilities. That result allowed the players to demonstrate the dominance Mancini has demanded since returning as coach.
"We are only at the beginning but we are trying to find our identity," Scalvini said. He added that veteran players have been instrumental in helping younger teammates settle, creating a unified group atmosphere. The coach's message has been clear: dominate matches, but remember to enjoy the game.
Nicolò Fagioli, back in the national team setup after a two-year absence, echoed similar sentiments. The Fiorentina midfielder, who made his debut under Mancini in 2022, said facing a France side packed with champions would be an "indescribable emotion" and a proper test for everyone.
Zidane faces Italy as France coach for first time
Friday's match carries historical weight beyond the standings. Twenty years after Berlin, Zinedine Zidane confronts Italy as France's head coach for the first time. The 2006 World Cup final, marked by Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi and Italy's subsequent penalty shootout triumph, remains the defining moment between these two nations.
Zidane, appointed France coach in July 2026, has already led Les Bleus to a 1-0 victory over Turkey on September 25, 2026, in his opening match. The French media anticipate a fervent reception for their idol at the Stade de France.
Despite spending five seasons at Juventus and winning the Ballon d'Or during his time there — largely for guiding France to their 1998 World Cup triumph — Zidane's relationship with Italian football has always been distant. He once described himself as someone whose heart belongs to France, rejecting overtures for Serie A coaching roles.
Squad rotation decisions await Mancini
Mancini faces selection choices ahead of Friday's evening kickoff. The full squad participated in Wednesday afternoon's training session following video analysis. The coach must decide whether to rotate heavily or maintain continuity with the lineup that performed well against Turkey.
Key players including Nicolò Barella and Alessandro Bastoni remained at Coverciano while others travelled to Bursa for the previous fixture. Those players, along with Riccardo Calafiori and Moise Kean who are pushing for minutes, are expected to be available. Sandro Tonali, who started the first two matches, may be rested.
At least nine players will not travel to Paris, instead staying at the Florence training centre to prepare for Monday's return match against Turkey in Bologna.
Historical context looms over fixture
The rivalry between Italy and France has produced memorable encounters since that 2006 final. France won 3-1 in Paris two months after Berlin, and the teams met again in Euro 2008 qualifying and tournament play. Recent Nations League meetings have been competitive, with results showing close contests between the two sides in the 2024-25 edition.
For Italy, missing a third consecutive World Cup remains a wound that this new cycle under Mancini aims to heal. Friday's result in Paris will offer a tangible indication of whether that rebuilding process is on track.
