Dembélé and Olise expected to start for France against Italy in Nations League | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are expected to start for France against Italy in the Nations League at the Stade de France on Friday, according to L'Équipe. Both were on the bench for the 1-0 match in Brussels.

It will be an emotional evening for Zinédine Zidane, and he did not hide that in Thursday’s press conference. He was far less forthcoming about his plan, though he has a full squad and reiterated the idea of a group without fixed starters or substitutes.

After making nine changes in Brussels compared with the side used in Türkiye, the staff could now restore senior attackers, notably Dembélé and Olise. The game in Türkiye also ended 1-0, and the midfield remains the biggest uncertainty, with Manu Koné used there on Thursday. Zidane could also take another look at Da Cunha, at least for a spell.

At the back, the question is who partners Dayot Upamecano. On Thursday, Leny Yoro was paired with the Bayern defender, but Jacquet has made a case to be seen again.

Rotation across the next two matches might also extend to the goalkeepers. Guillaume Restes could be handed an opportunity, possibly as early as Friday night.

Source: L'Équipe

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