France v Italy dominates the Italian sports papers ahead of their Nations League meeting in Paris, with the Azzurri facing Zinedine Zidane 20 years after his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi.
“Zizou, you again” is the front-page headline, while another paper presents the game as a test for a “New Italy”. Michael Olise, 24, and Alessandro Bastoni, 27, are used to represent the difference between the two sides, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini said France are “the best”, but insisted his team would compete. “They’re very strong but anything can happen,” he said. He also said the national team must be kept away from the poisonous relationship between sport and politics. “We’ll play to win.”
Mancini is expected to make three changes from the side that faced Turkiye. Giorgio Scalvini and Riccardo Calafiori make way for Ruggeri and Mancini, while Moise Kean joins Pio Esposito and Sebastiano Esposito in a front three. France will be without Kylian Mbappe.
The meeting has also revived memories of the 2006 World Cup final, when Zidane was sent off for headbutting Materazzi. Zidane said the incident provided additional motivation for him to become a coach.
“I have no regrets,” he said. “I’m not proud of it, but that episode gave me extra motivation to become a coach. I’ve never spoken to Marco. At Juventus I became an important player.”
Another leading story concerns the future of the FIGC. The CONI board has been called together on Tuesday to decide what happens next, with the president’s eligibility to stand again under scrutiny.
Juventus chief executive Carnevali is featured discussing the club’s missing star Kenan Yildiz and their interest in Frosinone goalkeeper Palmisani. He also said Juventus would benefit from having more Italian players.
“It’s not enough to arrive in a difficult market, you need time to win,” Carnevali said.
Torino president Urbano Cairo’s event in Trento is described as “the festival of the invincibles”. Cairo spoke about Grande Torino, while Velasco discussed La Brignone.
At Inter, Curtis Jones remained at Pinetina during the international break to continue working on his fitness. Coach Cristian Chivu is pushing him, with the midfielder determined to recover lost ground after a slow start.
Christian Pulisic spoke about returning from injury, saying: “I feel good and I hope to find more space.”
Napoli are also considering a back three, with Beukema recalled. Juventus face Cremonese at 12:30, including attacking midfielder Licina, who they loaned to the Serie B club and who has become one of its leading players. The match will test Kelly and Cambiaso, while Neto is set to make his debut.
Italy Under-21 beat Armenia 1-0 thanks to a Cisse goal in the 90th minute, although Koleosho missed several opportunities. Sampdoria forward Karamoh, meanwhile, features with the message: “Forza Samp, let’s try again together.”