UEFA Nations League Group Stage: France Relies on Individual Brilliance, Turkey Ascends to Elite Status

The UEFA Nations League group stage continued on September 7, delivering high-stakes matchups and intriguing storylines. France and Italy, both reeling from disappointing showings at the European Championship, squared off as two faltering giants looking for redemption. Meanwhile, Turkey’s rapid rise in international football brought them to a clash with Wales, further cementing their status as a team on the verge of elite recognition.

France vs. Italy: Which Fallen Giant Will Rise First?

The storied rivalry between France and Italy evokes memories of iconic clashes, including the 2006 World Cup final. However, both teams now find themselves in a transitional phase, searching for form and stability. Their last competitive meeting was at the 2008 European Championship, where Italy prevailed 2-0 in a do-or-die group stage match. Since then, both nations have experienced peaks and valleys, from France’s 2018 World Cup triumph to Italy’s improbable 2021 European Championship win.

Yet, their current struggles highlight a shared lack of direction.

France: Individual Talent Amid Tactical Chaos

France’s journey to the semifinals of the recent European Championship masked deeper issues within the squad. Despite boasting world-class players like Kylian Mbappé, the team failed to click as a cohesive unit. Mbappé, in particular, seemed disconnected, struggling to impose himself on games.

In their semifinal loss to Spain, France relied heavily on an early burst of energy to take the lead. However, they were thoroughly outplayed for most of the match, ultimately succumbing to Spain’s controlled dominance. Coach Didier Deschamps faced heavy criticism for his tactical decisions, particularly his over-reliance on the aging N’Golo Kanté in offensive roles.

Kanté’s defensive brilliance kept France in contention throughout the tournament, but his advanced positioning against Spain left the backline exposed. Both Spanish goals capitalized on France’s inability to close down space, with Kanté too far removed from the action to intervene.

France’s attacking woes were equally glaring, as they never managed to score more than one goal in a single match. Their advancement to the semifinals owed much to Kanté’s tireless defensive work, making Deschamps’ decision to overburden him in attack all the more baffling.

Italy: A Team in Disarray

While France’s struggles stemmed from tactical mismanagement, Italy’s woes were more existential. Their group-stage performances at the European Championship were uninspired, culminating in a shocking display against Switzerland, where they were thoroughly outplayed. Chinese fans watching the match joked that Italy’s performance resembled that of a struggling guo zu team.

Striker Gianluca Scamacca, who had been a revelation in European club competitions, appeared lost on the international stage. If not for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics in goal, Italy would likely have failed to escape the group.

The root of Italy’s troubles lies in a fractured relationship between coach Luciano Spalletti and his players. Reports suggest the squad has lost faith in his methods, yet the Italian Football Federation has shown no inclination to address his future, behaving as though the European Championship had never happened.

Italy’s offensive struggles remain their Achilles' heel, casting doubt on their chances of replicating their Nations League success from previous campaigns.

In this clash of struggling giants, France’s individual brilliance gives them a slight edge. Even if they operate at a fraction of their potential, their talent pool far exceeds that of Italy, whose attacking frailties remain a glaring concern.

Wales vs. Turkey: A Clash of Diverging Fortunes

The matchup between Wales and Turkey offered a stark contrast in trajectories. Wales, relegated from League A in the previous Nations League campaign, faced Turkey, a team on the rise after earning promotion from League C. This meeting of a "relegated powerhouse" and an "emerging contender" highlighted the shifting dynamics in European football.

Wales: Searching for a Post-Bale Identity

Wales has long been synonymous with Gareth Bale, whose presence lifted the team to unprecedented heights, including a semifinal run at Euro 2016. With Bale now retired, Wales is navigating its first major tournament cycle without their talismanic leader.

On paper, the current Welsh squad is comparable in quality to previous iterations, with players featuring in top leagues across Europe. However, the absence of a figure like Bale, who could inspire and galvanize the team, is palpable. Their failure to qualify for the recent European Championship, losing to Poland in a penalty shootout during the playoffs, underscores this void.

Wales’ lack of a clear attacking focal point leaves them vulnerable, especially against a Turkish side brimming with confidence and talent.

Turkey: Emerging as a Contender

Turkey’s resurgence in international football has been a long time coming. The ay-yıldızlılar impressed with their run to the quarterfinals of the European Championship, showcasing a blend of technical ability and tactical discipline.

At the heart of Turkey’s revival is the emergence of Güler, a gifted playmaker who has drawn comparisons to Martin Ødegaard. Güler’s performances in the latter stages of last season’s La Liga campaign, where he scored six goals, cemented his status as a rising star.

Since the European Championship, Güler has continued his development at Real Madrid, benefitting from increased playing time following Toni Kroos’ retirement. His creativity and composure make him a linchpin for Turkey’s midfield, and his influence is expected to grow in the coming years.

Turkey’s superiority over Wales was evident in their last European Championship qualifying campaign, where they secured four points from their two meetings. That gap has only widened, with Turkey’s deep run in the European Championship further solidifying their status as a team to watch.

Two Teams, One Direction

In a stark reversal of the usual dynamics between promoted and relegated teams, Turkey enters this matchup as the clear favorite. With their confidence high and a talented core of players led by Güler, Turkey looks poised to dominate, even away from home. For Wales, the challenge lies not only in containing Turkey’s attacking threat but also in finding a way to redefine themselves in the post-Bale era.

As the Nations League unfolds, these matchups offer a microcosm of the changing tides in European football. France and Italy’s struggles reflect the challenges of sustaining success, while Turkey’s rise showcases the rewards of patience and investment in talent. The stage is set for an intriguing competition that will shape the future of these teams in the years to come.