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Zinedine Zidane, the France manager, has announced the absence of Kylian Mbappe from the eagerly awaited match against Italy tomorrow, Thursday, in the fifth round of the group stage of the UEFA Nations League, following reports that circulated about a dispute between them.

Riccardo Calafiori admits he is starting to feel like one of the older heads in a youthful Italy squad as the Arsenal defender prepares to face France in a Nations League showdown at San Siro on Thursday. The 24-year-old insists Les Bleus remain dangerous despite their lengthy injury list and is hoping to go head-to-head with Michael Olise once again.

Aurélien Tchouaméni has caused concern at Real Madrid after the French Football Federation announced his absence from France's next two matches, against Italy and Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, due to injury.

France go into Thursday night's clash with Italy in Milan with more than one objective, as the importance of the eagerly awaited summit is not limited to the battle between the top two sides in Group One of the UEFA Nations League, but extends to sealing qualification for the quarter-finals, with the chance to finish the group stage top before the final round.