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Vieri claims only two Italians could start for France at World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 10:55 AM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Vieri claims only two Italians could start for France at World Cup

Summary

Cristian Vieri stated that only two players from the Italy national team could be in the starting lineup for France at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vieri identified Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali as the only Italian players who would make the grade in a squad he deems the most complete. He believes France and Argentina are the leading favorites to win the tournament, citing the exceptional talent of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. Italy will not participate in the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final.

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By the Numbers

•Cristian Vieri assesses Italy's chances for the 2026 World Cup.
•Vieri believes only Donnarumma and Tonali would start for France.
•France and Argentina favored to win the tournament.
•Italy eliminated from World Cup contention after loss to Bosnia.
•Golden Boot race likely among Mbappe, Messi, and Haaland.

Latest Updates

10:55 AMYahoo Sports — Vieri believes only two Italy players would start for World Cup favourites France

What they're saying

"
Cristian Vieri believes that France have ‘the most complete squad’ at the 2026 World Cup, that they and Argentina are the favourites to win the title again and says that only two Italy national te...
— Yahoo Sports

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