France and Italy have confirmed their official starting lineups for tonight’s UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 clash at the Stade de France, with manager Zinedine Zidane springing major tactical surprises.
In-form winger Bradley Barcola has been dropped to the bench despite scoring six Ligue 1 goals this season, while Jules Kounde and Eduardo Camavinga also miss out on the starting lineup.
With Kylian Mbappe sidelined by a knee injury, Zidane has handed attacking starts to Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele, while Rayan Cherki and Lucas Da Cunha earn surprise starts in midfield.
Match Details And Kickoff
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Tournament: UEFA Nations League 2026-27 (League A, Group 1)
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Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis (Paris)
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Kickoff Time: 12:15 AM IST (20:45 CEST)
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Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)
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Broadcast: Live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV in India, FS1 in the US, and Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
France Starting XI: Barcola, Kounde And Camavinga Benched
Zidane has reshuffled his side across every department following their 2-1 win over Belgium last month.
Pierre Kalulu starts at right-back ahead of Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, while 20-year-old Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet partners Dayot Upamecano in central defence.
In midfield, Como’s Lucas Da Cunha gets a nod alongside Adrien Rabiot, while Rayan Cherki is deployed in an advanced central playmaking role.
In attack, Olise and Dembele will flank Desire Doue, who leads the line as a central striker.
Full Confirmed France Starting XI And Substitutes
France Starting XI (4-3-3)
Mike Maignan (GK), Pierre Kalulu, Jeremy Jacquet, Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Truffert, Lucas Da Cunha, Adrien Rabiot, Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele.
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Substitutes: Jean Butez, Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, Leny Yoro, Maghnes Akliouche, Eduardo Camavinga, Manu Kone, Bradley Barcola, Esteban
Italy Starting XI: Esposito Brothers Start Alongside Moise Kean
Gianluigi Donnarumma (C), Michael Kayode, Giorgio Scalvini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Fagioli, Davide Frattesi, Moise Kean, Francesco Pio Esposito, Sebastiano Esposito.
