Vergara could be handed Italy debut, Di Lorenzo on the bench against France
Quick summary
Sky Sport Italia reports that Italy are considering handing a debut to Vergara and dropping Di Lorenzo to the bench for their Nations League match against France.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAntonio Vergara is in line for his first Italy cap in Paris, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo set to start on the bench.
According to Sky Sport Italia, via AreaNapoli , the Napoli midfielder could start on the right of a front three as Roberto Mancini juggles his options with Moise Kean’s fitness in doubt.
MUNICH, GERMANY – JULY 02: Jeremy Doku of Belgium is challenged by Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Quarter-final match between Belgium and Italy at Football Arena Munich on July 02, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christof Stache – Pool/Getty Images) Kayode preferred to Di Lorenzo for Italy as Vergara set to make debut The other Napoli man in the squad looks likely to miss out. Sky report that Mancini will again favour Michael Kayode at right-back, with Di Lorenzo dropping out. Giorgio Scalvini is expected to get the nod over Gianluca Mancini in the centre.
Sandro Tonali is tipped to play as the deep-lying playmaker if fit, alongside Nicolo Barella and Nicolo Fagioli, with Davide Frattesi the alternative.
BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Italy pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) France vs Italy – Sky Predicted Lineups France (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Jacquet, Truffert; Cherki, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Fagioli; Vergara, P. Esposito, S. Esposito
Italy arrive on the back of a 4-1 win in Bursa and need another result to keep their League A status comfortable.
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What happened
Ahead of Italy's Nations League fixture against France, Sky Sport Italia reports that head coach Luciano Spalletti is weighing significant changes to his starting XI. The most notable would be a senior debut for Vergara, while experienced right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo could be demoted to the bench. The suggested shake-up indicates Spalletti is looking to rotate or experiment ahead of a high-profile clash, potentially reshaping Italy's defensive structure against a formidable French attack.
Chance analysis
Italy's reported lineup shifts ahead of facing France carry real weight: benching Di Lorenzo, a defensive cornerstone under Spalletti, signals a willingness to alter the back line against one of Europe's strongest attacks, while a potential debut for Vergara would inject fresh energy into a squad still finding its identity in the Nations League. These choices will shape how Italy approach the tactical battle, particularly on the right flank where defensive reliability meets French pace and creativity.
Di Lorenzo's likely benching weakens Italy's right side defensively, while Vergara's potential debut introduces uncertainty into the back line against France's attack.