To say that I am apprehensive about tomorrow's game against France would be an understatement. Italy beat Türkiye 4 to 1 on Monday, and I was happy to see it, but one win is not enough to quiet my nerves. France did a great job at this summer's World Cup. Their players appeared strong and controlled the pace of their games. Italy was out of that World Cup, and the difference between the two teams still feels big.

Missing the World Cup really affects a team. Players start to doubt themselves, and that doubt can stick with them even after the tournament is over. Confidence is not something Coach Roberto Mancini can give before a game. Our players need a lot of help to regain their strength and confidence, and that takes time. It does not happen in one day or one match. I will be watching how they pass, make choices, and handle the stress during the soccer game. Let's hope things go well. Honestly, a rough night in Paris could make things hard for a team that is just starting to feel strong again.

We have already seen how fragile that confidence is. In the opening game of this Nations League, against Belgium in Rome, the Azzurri looked timid in the first half, as if they were afraid to make a mistake. A few days later in Bursa, against Türkiye, they played freely and with purpose: same jersey, very different team. To me, that difference came down to belief.

Coach Roberto Mancini seems to understand this. In a press conference on the eve of the match, he said that France is one of the best teams in the world and further along than Italy right now, but the Azzurri want to play well and make a good showing. He also told reporters that players should not be crushed by a loss or carried away by a win. I agree with him. A team that is still finding itself needs balance more than anything.

Mancini added that the only way to trouble France is not to be afraid to keep the ball. That line stayed with me because it is really about confidence, and we all know that's what the Azzurri need most. Holding the ball against a team like France takes courage. For the players, it means trusting themselves and their teammates when the pressure is at its highest. If the Azzurri can do that tomorrow, even for stretches of the game, it will be a sign that the work is paying off.

So, if you’re feeling nervous about tomorrow too, you are not alone; after all, those nerves show how much you care. Finally, I hope my team steps onto that field with pride and wins the game. It will be a great victory. Forza Azzurri! You got this!