Actually they eliminated us at the last EC and prevented us from playing at the last World Cup too! Does this mean that they are a candidate to face in the World cup qualifiers?
I'm still not sure. Will know for certain after they play their 6th and final UNL match. Or the next Rankings are revealed.
If we draw against France we qualify as first in the group. We are also first if we lose only with one goal difference. What happens if we lose 2-0? I think in this case France will finish first because of the total goal difference, right?
If Gli Azzurri lose 0-2, the mini table between these 2 teams will be 3 Goals For and 3 Goals Against, then Tie Breaker 5 is applied and Italy advance given more goals scored in the Group (currently 12 for Italy, 9 for France).
I used to make the same mistake as well. Goal Difference is used by FIFA. UEFA uses Goals Scored. Welcome. Plus Tie Breakers have changed quite often.
France are in a bit of a mess. Of course they can turn up and put on a clinc but some noise around the team with Mbappé out, Deschamps accused of not changing tactics. From what I understand they were unfortunate not to win on Thursday. I do think based on what we've seen from all 4 teams the Group Standing is accurate. Maybe Belgium deserved a better fate given that KDB has been out and Courtois has retired from International Duty due to friction with Belgium's Italian manager. Italy should not be afraid of any team but they are wise to take First and be drawn against Denmark, Croatia/ Poland, rather than finish in 2nd after having been in 1st through 5 MP's and then be drawn against one of Spain, Germany, Portugal. Those 3 can wait for the SF and F.
Excited to see what Maldini can do against a fast and physical French team. He won't have oodles of space which he tends to operate in comfort typically.
So seems Frattesi, his leading scorer, is likely shelved. Ongoing issue of getting him on. I do like the relationship he and Retegui have built, often looking for each other.