The French world champions have inherited an affordable group, unlike the Italian European champions who will face England, their opponent in the final of the last Euro, Germany and Hungary.
The League of Nations, launched by UEFA to revive interest in non-stakeholder international matches will take on a special flavor during its third edition, at the dawn of a year ending with the World Cup scheduled for November 21 to December 18. in Qatar.
Because by then, the great footballing nations will have only three gatherings to chew on, two of which will be devoted to this League of Nations 2022-2023, in June (four matches) and in September (two matches ).
It is for the Blues the assurance of knowing rather strong trial gallops against the Danes, semi-finalists of the Euro last summer, against the Croats of the stainless Luka Modric, finalists of the World-2018 and against Austria, a priori the least feared team in Group 1.
Among the other seeds, Italy has inherited the biggest pieces in this League of Nations and this draws a formidable year 2022 for the European champions.
In March, they will have to try to qualify for the World Cup scheduled for the end of 2022, via a course of perilous dams in which Portugal will also appear.
Then Italy will challenge Germany, once again itself under the leadership of coach Hansi Flick, England vice-champion of Europe and Hungary, very catchy at the last Euro.
Spain, rejuvenated and exciting under the leadership of Luis Enrique, will face the Portugal of Cristiano Ronaldo, the astonishing Switzerland, executioner of the Italians on the road to the World Cup, and the Czech Republic of striker Patrik Schick.
The Italians delighted with their third place in the League of Nations after their success over Belgium in Turin, October 10, 2021 Marco BERTORELLO AFP / Archives
Finally, Belgium, N.1 in the Fifa rankings, inherited the Netherlands from Memphis Depay, Poland from Robert Lewandowski and Wales from Gareth Bale.
© 2021 AFP