Italy are back at Coverciano after a 4-1 win over Türkiye, and the focus has already shifted to France on Friday 2 October at 20.45. Roberto Mancini now has a selection problem more than a celebration problem, with Davide Frattesi, Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella all in the frame for different reasons. France vs Italy is next.
Frattesi's form and Italy's midfield calls
Frattesi's goal against Türkiye was his ninth for Italy in 36 appearances, and he posted an 8.2 rating in that win. That is the kind of output that makes a coach pause before changing the midfield too much. Barella's 7.39 league rating this season also sits neatly inside the conversation, even if the roles around him are likely to be adjusted rather than overhauled.
The other part of the pitch is less settled. Bastoni's 7.3 rating in the Nations League and his goal against Türkiye give him something to build on, but not a guarantee of anything against France.
The France fixture and the rotation question
Sky Sport Italia said the match is scheduled for Friday at 20.45, while football-italia.net described Italy as starting preparations for the afternoon game against France. Either way, the rhythm is tight. Italy will train behind closed doors at Coverciano on Wednesday and Thursday, with one session each day, before travelling to Paris on Thursday afternoon.
That schedule leaves Mancini with little room to wait on fitness or form. Francesco Pio Esposito is among the names in the wider picture too, but the main decision remains whether to keep faith with the players who lifted the side past Türkiye or turn to fresh legs for Friday's France vs Italy test.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
