France Eyes Top Spot Against Italy as Kane Approaches Historic Record
The UEFA Nations League returns with key League A matches. France visits Italy at the San Siro needing a win to secure top spot, while England hosts Croatia at Wembley where Harry Kane is set to break the appearance record.
The UEFA Nations League returns with high-stakes fixtures across League A, as powerhouse national teams battle for quarterfinal spots and group leadership.
Italy vs. France
Italy hosts France at the San Siro in a crucial League A Group 1 clash, where a victory for the visitors will secure them first place in the group. Zinedine Zidane's squad has accumulated 10 points from four matches, ahead of Italy's 7 points under Roberto Mancini. Mancini has called up AC Milan's Alphadjo Cisse and Como's Mattia Liberali for the first time. Italy will miss injured players Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Giacomo Raspadori, Moise Kean, and Gianluca Mancini. On the French side, William Saliba is still unavailable, and Aurelien Tchouameni is sidelined due to injury, but Dayot Upamecano returns from suspension to anchor the defense alongside Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise in attack, while Ousmane Dembele misses out with an injury.
Turkey vs. Belgium
In the same group, Turkey welcomes Belgium to Izmir seeking their first points after four consecutive defeats, which led to the dismissal of Vincenzo Montella and the appointment of new coach Sergen Yalcin. Turkey will be without Juventus star Kenan Yildiz due to injury, while Abdulkerim Bardakci is suspended. Belgium sits third with 6 points, aiming to keep their quarterfinal qualification hopes alive under coach Mark van Bommel, who welcomes back Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Jeremy Doku, though Romeo Lavia is suspended and Thibaut Courtois continues his absence.
Czech Republic vs. Spain
In League A Group 3, world champions Spain visit the Czech Republic in Prague having already secured a quarterfinal berth, while continuing their battle with England for top spot. Luis de la Fuente's side has won all four matches in the campaign. Lamine Yamal misses out with a minor knee knock, alongside the ill Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodri. The hosts are searching for their first point after four defeats.
England vs. Croatia
England hosts Croatia at Wembley needing a single point to secure quarterfinal qualification. Thomas Tuchel's team has won three consecutive matches, including a historic 7-0 victory over Croatia last month. Harry Kane is set to make his 126th international appearance, breaking Peter Shilton's appearance record. Croatia arrives following three successive defeats, with coach Slaven Bilic missing several key players, while 41-year-old Luka Modric is set to earn his 207th cap.
