France Under-19s and Italy Under-19s will meet in the European Championship on Friday with both teams having already qualified for the semi-finals.

However, whoever prevails in Streda will top the group, France in line to claim first position if the two nations share the spoils.

Match preview

While France are fancied to win this competition for the fourth time, they initially only qualified for the Finals courtesy of a late comeback win versus Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.

Nevertheless, Jean-Luc Vannuchi's team look ready to take full advantage, coming through their opening two fixtures with successive victories and seven goals to their name.

The 5-0 win versus Slovakia was dominant and a walk in the park in equal measure, while they controlled large parts of the following game with Romania before conceding a late consolation goal in a 2-1 triumph.

The strikes have been shared around this squad, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Loum Tchaouna and Alan Virginius all contributing two apiece ahead of the group decider.

Italy have followed a similar path to their next opponents, the Azzurri requiring a win over Belgium on the final day of qualifying to book their spot in the final eight.

Carmine Nunziata's team have not exactly matched France's level against the same opponents, both of their victories coming by a one-goal margin.

However, Nunziata will be satisfied with the show of character on both occasions, something which may be required during the latter stages.

These nations have not met since the semi-finals of the 2018 tournament, Italy prevailing 2-0 on that occasion courtesy of goals from Christian Capone and Moise Kean.

Team News

Although Vannuchi and Nunziata will both want to win this contest, they may also want to freshen up their sides ahead of the semi-finals.

Ousmane Camara could be drafted into the middle of the backline, while Warren Bondo and Andy Diouf are both in contention for places in midfield.

Further forward, Salim Ben Seghir may feature on the left flank, taking the spot of Tchaouna who played the full 90 minutes last time out.

As far as Italy are concerned, key midfielder Cesare Casadei may be afforded a rest after playing the meeting with Slovakia in its entirety.

Alessandro Fontanarosa could be given a run out in the centre of defence, while Cristian Volpato will hope for an opportunity after his substitute outing in the previous fixture.

France Under-19s possible starting lineup:
Lo-Tutala; Zoukrou, Camara, Toure, Varela; Bondo, Ba, Diouf; Virginius, Bonny, Ben Seghir

Italy Under-19s possible starting lineup:
Desplanches; Mulazzi, Fontanarosa, Coppola, Giovane; Fabbian, Faticanti, Terracciano; Miretti, Volpato; Nasti

We say: France Under-19s 1-1 Italy Under-19s

With there being every chance that these two teams could eventually meet in the final, neither will want to give up any potential advantages, despite their qualification. With that in mind, we feel that this fixture could end in a low-scoring draw, a result which will ultimately benefit France in the short term.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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