As Italy prepares for a crucial Nations League clash against France, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma reflects on the impact of Kylian Mbappe's absence and the rising spirit of the Azzurri aiming for victory.
As Italy prepares for a crucial encounter against France in the Nations League, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has voiced his appreciation for Kylian Mbappe's absence from Les Bleus’ squad. In comments made from the Italian camp at Appiano Gentile, Donnarumma recognized the gap left by his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, whose exclusion by Didier Deschamps has become a major topic of discussion in the international arena.
The star forward from France, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, was omitted from Deschamps’ squad following a disappointing start to his time in Spain. Although Deschamps has kept his reasons for the decision private, Mbappe’s absence was clearly felt during France’s laborious goalless draw against Israel last week. For Italy, this absence shifts the advantage slightly in their direction as they seek to secure the top position in Group A2 with a strong performance at the San Siro.
"It's a significant absence. I know him well, and he's among the best players in the world," Donnarumma acknowledged. "If he were here, he would definitely pose challenges for us. However, France is filled with talent. Even in Mbappe's absence, they possess players who can threaten us with their energy and skill."
Italy's journey in the Nations League has been marked by a remarkable revival. Following their disappointment at Euro 2020, Luciano Spalletti has guided the squad back to form, maintaining an unbeaten streak in the group stage. As they approach Sunday’s match, Italy holds a three-point advantage over France and only needs to prevent a significant loss to clinch the top position.
The resilience of the Italians was prominently showcased in their hard-fought 1-0 victory against Belgium in Brussels on Thursday, during which Sandro Tonali scored his first international goal. Tonali praised the sense of unity within the team, highlighting the invigorated spirit among the players. “We could hardly wait to come together after each international break. The atmosphere here is truly remarkable,” he expressed.
The only flaw in their campaign—a 2-2 draw with Belgium last month—showcased Italy's determination. Despite being down to 10 players for more than half the match after quickly taking a 2-0 lead, they still succeeded in securing a point.
For France, the requirements are straightforward: they must secure a victory by a margin of at least two goals to take the top position in the group. However, the missing presence of Mbappe adds complexity to Deschamps’ challenge. In his absence, France appeared disorganized during their match against Israel, leading to doubts regarding their capacity to perform effectively under pressure.
The encounter at San Siro signifies more than merely vying for top position in the group—it serves as a crucial test of resilience for both squads. Italy is experiencing a resurgence as a cohesive unit, while France must quickly adjust to compensate for the absence of their star player.
Looking back on their journey, Donnarumma spoke with assurance. “Following the Euros, we required a boost. At this point, Italy is once again playing like Italy,” he stated. “Our goal is to continue progressing, have fun, and provide the fans with something to celebrate.”
Thanks to Spalletti’s strategic brilliance and the team’s renewed unity, the Azzurri are ready to create another unforgettable evening at the San Siro. On the other hand, France is confronted with the challenging need to demonstrate they can thrive in the absence of their leading player, which adds layers of intrigue and importance to this matchup.
The stage is prepared for an enthralling finale to Group A2—where Italy's determination confronts France's urgency. For spectators, it is sure to offer a showcase of intense international football.
