Ricci relishing Italy ‘opportunity’ and brings balance with France

Samuele Ricci reveals what Luciano Spalletti asked of him against France and is happy to have his Italy ‘opportunity’ after missing EURO 2024.

It kicks off at Parc des Princes in Paris at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.

This is the opening fixture of the Nations League group, which also includes Belgium and Israel.

Torino midfielder Ricci has impressed so far in Serie A and was the last to be cut from the Azzurri squad flying to Germany for EURO 2024, but he is rewarded here with a starting place in the line-up.

Ricci ready for Italy relaunch

“These are wonderful sensations. This is what football is like, you might miss one opportunity and another comes along. The important thing is to wait and then give your best,” Ricci told RAI Sport.

Les Bleus reached the semi-final of that tournament and have a very attack-minded team with four top attacking figures.

With that in mind, Italy are fielding only one striker in Mateo Retegui and want to pack the midfield, so what has Spalletti asked of Ricci?

“France are one of the best teams in the world. The coach asks me to bring balance in front of the defence and to dialogue with my midfield teammates too.”