Leonardo Bonucci explains Italy’s forward-thinking formation against France in the Nations League, with quite a few surprises. ‘We want to attack their wings.’

It kicks off at the Stade de France in Paris at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from the Nations League on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri have had two completely different performances so far under the returning coach, as the 2-0 home defeat to Belgium was followed by a 4-1 victory away to Turkiye.

Now they face the toughest test of this Nations League group by visiting Zinedine Zidane’s men in Paris, a side fresh off back-to-back 1-0 away wins.

“We wanted to attack their wings, as France will defend with a high line, so that is why the coach opted for this formation,” assistant manager Bonucci told RAI Sport.

“It felt important to have a sense of consistency in midfield, and there is another game coming up on Monday where we’ll need fresh legs and experience.”

There are some real surprises here, as while Moise Kean has recovered from a knock and Riccardo Calafiori returns at left-back, the midfield is completely unchanged, leaving Nicolò Barella on the bench.