Vieri says only two players from Italy can start for France

Former Inter striker Christian Vieri has said that France are the most complete team and favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, along with Argentina. "France has no competitors. They are too strong," he said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. He also praised Argentina's Lionel Messi, saying, ``Even at the age of 39, he is still showing magical play, and no other player can come close to his category.'' Vieri also predicts that Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland will compete for the Golden Boot. The Italian national team was eliminated in the playoffs against Bosnia and Herzegovina and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, but Vieri believes that two players from the Italian national team, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali, are suitable for the starting lineup of the French national team. ---