The presence of Tounkara is a surprise compared to the usual plans of coach Corinne Deacon who, in recent years, has associated Mbock in the axis of defense with captain Wendie Renard.
On the flanks of the defense, Eve Perisset will start on the right and Sakina Karchaoui, on the left.
Parisian striker Kadidiatou Diani, although injured in an ankle this week, was chosen to lead the right wing for this first group match at the Euro.
Her club teammate, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, will be at the forefront while Delphine Cascarino, used on the right at OL, will occupy the left side as in the preparation matches.
Despite a slight discomfort in the back this week, goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin is present to challenge Italy, 14th nation in the FIFA rankings.
She knows some of her opponents of the day whom she meets on a daily basis at Juventus Turin.
Deacon chose a classic midfielder with Charlotte Bilbault as a sentry behind the two relay midfielders Sandie Toletti and Grace Geyoro.
The French team expected against Italy at 9:00 p.m.
France: Peyraud-Magnin - Périsset, Renard (cap.), Tounkara, Karchaoui - Geyoro, Bilbault, Toletti - Diani, Katoto, D. Cascarino.
Selector: Corinne Deacon.
© 2022 AFP