Italy vs. France 2012: Preview and TV schedule
Two teams with self-imposed bans to some of their key players will clash as France take on Italy in Parma.
Daniele De Rossi has been dropped from the national side by Prandelli after swinging at Stefano Mauri during the Rome derby, and it seems that Italy will try some younger players in his absence. Milan's young forward Stephan El Shaarawy is likely to start up front with Mario Balotelli, with Antonio Candreva and young PSG midfielder Marco Verratti also in the squad. Pablo Osvaldo will be absent after withdrawing from the squad with an injury on Monday.
France, meanwhile, will begin life after banning several of their players, including an astonishingly lengthy one for Yann M'Vila. Arsenal's Olivier Giroud is likely to lead the line for the visitors, and Yoann Gourcuff has been recalled to the side. Hugo Lloris will continue in goal as captain despite his limited playing time for Tottenham Hotspur.
Deschamps is under no illusions as to his side’s performance and has stressed that they must improve, insisting: “We can’t say that we’re at the same level than the European champions or the Euro runners up.”
Match Date\Time: 7:45 p.m. local, 1:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma, Italy
TV: RAI Internazionale (U.S.), RAI Uno (Italy), TF1 (France.)
