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The last competitive game between these two power horses took place during the 2008 European Championship. The 2-0 victory of the Italians was also their last success in this pairing. This was followed by three more friendlies matches all of which France won. Italy didn't manage to get more further than the last 16 in the Euro 2024 this summer, where the team lost without scoring a goal 0-2 vs Switzerland. France on the other hamd made it to the semi-finals where Spain were to strong and they also lost 1-2. Both coaches made a few changes to the squad of both national teams. In addition to the injury-related absences of Ferland Mandy and Aurelien Tchouameni, Deschamps is also without Benjamin Pavard and Adrien Rabiot. New to the national team are the new Michael Olise, Manu Kone as well as Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Digne. Spaletti called up two debutants, Marco Berscianini and Caleb Okoli, for the national team and brought Sandro Tonali back into the team after his ten-month ban.