This is obviously a good test for the Bleuets despite the friendly nature of the confrontation. And for good reason, the Italians did not experience defeat during the Euro 2025 qualifiers (June 11 to 28), unlike France who lost at home against Austria. One month, to the day, after this failure, the second against this nation (2-1), the tricolors are revengeful.
Luckily, this negative result did not close the doors to the final phase. Luck was indeed with them: in the other groups, Belgium and Switzerland lost, while Poland drew. France therefore finished among the best runners-up and narrowly avoided the play-offs.
Facing Italy, then Germany, 4 days later, Gérald Baticle, the coach, like his counterpart Didier Deschamps, must deal with those absent and injured. Marseille full-back Quentin Merlin, injured, is replaced by Monegasque Kassoum Ouattara. A new kid will also take his first steps. Like Lucas Chevalier, summoned to the A, Ayyoub Bouaddi (only 17 years old), also from Lille, was called up. He was notably elected “man of the match” during the match against Juventus Turin in the Champions League.
The Italy-France Espoirs kick-off is scheduled for this Friday at 6:15 p.m. It can be followed on the Équipe channel.
