France Under-21s head into their Group C fixture with Norway Under-21s with an opportunity to book their place in the last eight of Under-21 Euro 2023.

However, despite seeing off Italy last time out, a defeat for France would open up the group, letting in Norway after they blew a lead against Switzerland.

Match preview

Italy had the strongest argument that France were fortunate to post a 2-1 victory on Thursday night, yet their title rivals will not care having gotten their tournament off to the ideal start.

Goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo and Bradley Barcola proved decisive before Italy were not awarded a goal or penalty for a header that seemingly went over the line and was cleared by a hand.

In doing so, France have now ended a four-game undefeated streak and Sylvain Ripoll will now have top spot in his sights ahead of likely qualification for the quarter-finals.

Les Bleuets must first avoid any complacency, although that is unlikely to be the case given their lack of consistency on the results front over the past 13 months.

These two nations also squared off as recently as November, with Norway doing enough to earn a respectable 1-1 draw that will give them belief ahead of this encounter.

Since qualifying for this tournament, though, Norway have largely failed to impress, with their only win in nine months coming versus Czech Republic, albeit by a 4-0 scoreline.

Having taken the lead against Switzerland through Emil Konradsen Ceide, there was an opening to make an early statement at this tournament, but they were ultimately pegged back and defeated.

With France and Italy to come, it is fair to say that Leif Gunnar Smerud's side are rank outsiders to reach the last eight, like they did in 2013 when they reached the semi-finals.

Smerud can only hope that being underdogs can play into their favour as they bid to keep the group wide open heading into the final round of fixtures.

Team News

Joshua Kitolano is in line to be drafted into the Norway midfield as a replacement for Sivert Mannsverk.

Tobias Christensen may also be considered to return in that area of the pitch, but Smerud could be prepared to stick with the remainder of his starting lineup.

France will be forced into at least one change with Loic Bade serving a suspension for his late red card in the Italy fixture.

Mohamed Simakan was introduced on that occasion and appears likely to start this game, and Ripoll will contemplate freshening his team up further forward.

Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki will both feel that they are in contention to be handed opportunities.

Norway Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Hedensted; Sebulonsen, Daland, Heggheim, Wolfe; Hove, Mannsverk, Zafeiris; Bobb, Botheim, Ceide

France Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Kalulu, Simakan, Lukeba, Nkounkou; Kone, Thuram, Caqueret; Barcola, Kalimuendo, Gouiri

We say: Norway Under-21s 0-2 France Under-21s

Letting slip an advantage versus the other team in the group that is of similar ability to you is not the best preparation for Norway, and that could show against highler-calibre opposition. France also have the options to rotate, and a fresher side could record a relatively comfortable win.

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