France make bold changes for Italy Nations League test

France will try to protect their position at the top of Nations League Group 1 when Italy visit in Zinedine Zidane’s first home match as national-team coach. The French side have made several major changes to their starting XI after winning their opening two matches, while Italy sit three points behind and need to close the gap.

Mike Maignan keeps his place in goal. Jules Kounde and Adrien Truffert return at full-back, replacing Pierre Kalulu and Andy Diouf. Jeremy Jacquet remains in central defence, but is joined by Dayot Upamecano, who comes back after Maxence Lacroix started against Belgium. France’s two previous victories came away to Turkey and Belgium, both by 1-0 margins.

The midfield has also been reshaped. Lucas Da Cunha is the only player retained from the previous match, with Rayan Cherki and Adrien Rabiot joining him. Desire Doue starts again in attack, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele come in for Bradley Barcola and Esteban Lepaul.

The selected XI is Maignan; Kounde, Jacquet, Upamecano, Truffert; Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele and Doue. France’s perfect record has given them an early advantage in the group, but Italy’s position leaves the visitors with a direct opportunity to reduce it.