MX23RW : Thursday, May 2 05:17:07| >> :120:32847:32847:
[monks data]
Italy national football team
International Friendlies
Sep 1, 2016 at 8pm UK
 
France national football team

1-3

Pelle (21')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Martial (17'), Giroud (28'), Kurzawa (81')

Team News: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud starts for France

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud leads the line for France in their international friendly against Italy, despite not having started for his club yet this season.

France manager Didier Deschamps has selected Olivier Giroud up front for this evening's international friendly against Italy in Bari.

The striker is yet to start for Arsenal so far this season having been given an extended break after Euro 2016, but will lead the line for his country this evening.

Manchester United pair Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, the latter of whom struggled for playing time at the Euros, also start in France's first outing since their defeat at the hands of Portugal in the final.

Euro 2016 Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann is also included in the starting XI, while AS Monaco full-back Djibril Sidibe makes his international debut.

For Italy, new boss Giampiero Ventura has chosen former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle and Eder to play up front in his first game in charge, with many of the old guard keeping their place following Antonio Conte's switch to Chelsea.

Gianluigi Buffon wins his 162nd cap for the Azzurri, while at the other end of the spectrum Giacomo Bonaventura makes his fourth international appearance.

Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Astori, Chiellini; Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Bonaventura, De Sciglio; Pellé, Eder

France: Mandanda; Sidibé, Varane, Koscielny, Kurzawa; Kanté, Pogba, Matuidi, Griezmann, Martial; Giroud

Follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of the match by clicking here.

ID:280462: cacheID:280462:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3500:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Antonio Conte watches on during an Italy training session on May 25, 2016
Read Next:
Jorginho, Montolivo left out of Italy squad
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!