The second winners of the UEFA Nations League will be crowned at the San Siro on Sunday as France and Spain square off for the crown, held by Portugal previously. The two sides came through thrilling semifinals against Italy and Belgium respectively to get their first opportunity to win this piece of silverware and with it establish themselves as real contenders for further honors with just over a year to go until the World Cup. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Location: San Siro — Milan, Italy
TV: ESPN, Univision, TUDN USA | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Odds: Spain +200; Draw +220; France +150 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Spain: The emergence of 17-year-old Barcelona youngster Gavi, his country’s youngest ever international, highlighted a welcome youth trend in Luis Enrique’s side. “It’s not normal that he plays like that [at 17],” said the Spain head coach. “He’s a player with personality, enviable physical conditions and he plays our style of football. He plays like he’s at school or in his garden at home. It’s a pleasure to have a player with that quality and character with us. We can say that he’s the national team’s present, not [just] the future.”
Both goals in the 2-1 win over Italy were scored by Ferran Torres, just 21 years of age and beginning to establish himself as a young striker of real promise, whilst teenagers Ansu Fati and Pedri would be in this squad as well were it not for injury issues. The future looks bright for La Roja and a Nations League trophy could get this side into the winning habit.
France: Wednesday’s comeback win from two goals down against Belgium was all the more thrilling as it saw the front three of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema click in a big game. The latter two both scored whilst the former won a penalty as France cut loose in the sort of impressive attacking display that is rarely seen under manager Didier Deschamps.
The unanswered question heading into the final is whether that second half was an aberration brought on by circumstances — France had a two-goal deficit to overcome — or whether a high pressing, front footed formula could be reprised by Deschamps. How his side set up against a Spain side who would be more than happy to dominate possession should offer clear indications over how Les Bleus will approach big games in the future.
Prediction
Spain were so impressive in imposing themselves on Italy there is no reason to think they cannot repeat the trick against a France side who were second best for at least half of their semifinal. PICK: Spain 2, France 1