Mancini Leaves Cisse and Liberali Out of France Match Squad

Italy face France in the Nations League on Thursday evening at San Siro. In the group, France lead with 10 points from four matches, Italy are second with 7 points, Belgium are third with 6 points, and Türkiye are last with zero points. The two teams drew 1-1 in Paris last month.

Because Nations League squads are limited to 23 players, Mancini had to remove six players from his November squad. Along with Cisse and Liberali, Matteo Palma, Honest Ahanor, Federico Gatti and Niccolo Pisilli are not in the squad for the France match. The omission of young attacking players has caused disappointment among fans.

Speaking to Rai a few hours before the match, Mancini said the team wanted to play well and get a good result so they would not disappoint supporters. He said France are a strong side even without some of their key players, and stated that his team wanted to make fewer mistakes and improve their in-game situations. Mancini said playing at San Siro was like watching an opera at La Scala, and emphasized that the stadium is one of Italy's most beautiful.

Talking about the defense, Mancini said there are three or four good options behind Bastoni and Scalvini. He named Palma, Leoni and Ahanor among them. He also praised Davide Frattesi for his consistent performances at Lazio. Mancini viewed Frattesi's form at Lazio, who are unbeaten in 11 Serie A matches and top the table, positively, and said that with his recent performances he is one of their best players.