France national football team faces Italy national football team in UEFA Nations League 2027-27 group clash at the Stade de France tonight without their captain, Kylian Mbappe.
The Real Madrid superstar was ruled out after suffering a knee hyperextension against Turkey on Matchday 1, returning to Spain to focus on his recovery.
With Ousmane Dembele stepping up to wear the captain’s armband, manager Zinedine Zidane has plenty of attacking firepower to call upon. Here are three players who can fill Mbappe’s boots and deliver against Italy.
1. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Bradley Barcola is the most natural, direct replacement for Mbappe on the left wing.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward possesses explosive pace, sharp close control, and the confidence to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.
Barcola also has fond memories against the Azzurri. In their previous meeting in Paris, he stunned the Italian defense by finding the back of the net inside the opening minute, making him a ready-made weapon for tonight.
2. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
If Zidane wants pure creative flair in the final third, Michael Olise is in the form of his life.
The Bayern Munich winger has quickly become one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking threats, racking up 13 goal involvements in his last 14 international appearances.
Olise scored a stunning match-winner against Belgium in France’s last outing. His ability to drift inside from the right and pick out defence-splitting passes gives France the tactical unpredictability needed to break down Italy’s defensive line.
3. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Young sensation Desire Doue represents an exciting, unpredictable wildcard option for the French attack.
The 21-year-old forward is versatile enough to operate on either flank or as a roaming second striker in the half-spaces.
Against an Italian side that typically lines up with a compact 3-5-2 system, Doue’s fearless dribbling and ability to draw fouls in tight areas can unlock spaces for Dembele and Marcus Thuram inside the penalty box.
France vs Italy: What Is Zinedine Zidane’s Game Plan?
Mbappe’s absence takes away France’s primary goalscorer, but it also allows Zidane to deploy a more balanced, hard-pressing front three.
Dembele will take on greater leadership on the pitch, while players like Olise and Barcola can play with complete freedom in transition.
With kickoff set for 12:15 AM IST (20:45 CEST) in Paris, all eyes will be on which young forward steps up to make the big stage their own.
