The Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli has said that he is expecting tough match against France when the two sides meet each other in a friendly match. The Italians have a poor record when it comes to friendly matches because they have not won a friendly match in the last 12 months. Their last win in a friendly match came against Poland more than a year ago. This time around, Prandelli will be without the services of the Roma midfielder Daniele Di Rossi after the 29-year-old has been omitted from the squad due to disciplinary reasons.

France come into the match on the back of a confidence boosting 1-1 draw with the world champions Spain in the last World Cup qualifying group match. They have certainly changed their style of football under the new management. This makes them a particularly tough prospect according to the Italian. He has also dismissed suggestions that it will be a normal match because against France it never is the case. He has also said that both teams are likely to show a lot of emotion and enthusiasm. Prandelli has said that he is looking forward to picking the AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy, who has been in sensational form this season.

“It won’t be a normal match against France, it’s never a normal match against them. We know that very well, having faced them many times in important competitions and in finals too. It’s never a friendly match against France. I only hope we see two teams who want to play football, two teams who are proud to be playing, showing emotion and enthusiasm. The result will come from who has the better attitude of the two teams. That’s my opinion on that,” said the Italian national team manager ahead of the match with France.