Mbappé and Griezmann on the bench, Kanté captain

Didier Deschamps had warned. These back-to-school matches – in the Nations League, to boot – would be an opportunity to rotate his squad and rest certain key players, who have to deal with overloaded schedules. A desire to “reoxygenate» his group. It was therefore not a question of putting the “best team” against Italy and this is again the case this Monday against Belgium (8:45 p.m., live commentary). Thus, if Mike Maignan returns to service in goal, there are changes in all the lines. Rested this Friday, Jules Koundé finds a starting place and his right corridor, a position now usual for him in club and selection. On the left, Lucas Digne makes his return, he who has not played in blue for more than two years and a France-Croatia on June 13, 2022.

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Griezmann and Mbappé absent, return of 4-3-3

Up front, Didier Deschamps is deprived of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé. Michael Olise is not starting for a second time in a row. The coach of the Blues is returning with a more classic system, with three midfielders. In the absence of the two most capped players in this selection, N’Golo Kanté takes over the captain’s armband. He will be supported by Mattéo Guendouzi, back, and Manu Koné for his first start. Up front, Marcus Thuram, number 9 in the back, is starting up front. Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé line up on the wings.

The Blues’ eleven against Belgium: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Koné, Guendouzi, Kanté (cap) – Kolo Muani, Thuram, Dembélé.