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.
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has received his first senior call-up for the France national team by manager Zinedine Zidane following an injury to Marcus Thuram. The 20-year-old attacker now has a golden opportunity to make his international debut in the upcoming fixtures against Italy and Turkey.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas has played a pivotal role in the rapid rise of defenders and midfielders at the ambitious Italian club. Both Jacobo Ramon and Mattia Liberali have credited the former Spain star's tactical philosophy as they prepare for senior international duty.
France head coach Zinedine Zidane is facing a mounting selection crisis at Clairefontaine following a fresh injury scare for Aurelien Tchouameni. The Real Madrid midfield anchor was unable to complete Tuesday's training session, leaving the national team staff anxious over his availability for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Sokol Saratov
