Chênois vs Azzurri - Friendlies Clubs

The Friendlies Clubs returns to the home ground on July 18, 2026, where Chênois and Azzurri will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Josh Allen had an impressive first game at the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium in their second NFL fixture of the season.

There is little to choose between Chênois and Azzurri on paper, and the Friendlies Clubs encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Chênois will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Azzurri must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "If I’m Manchester United right now, I say press the green button and buy him, take him, right now.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. While reports in France also claim Chelsea have joined the race with Liverpool and the Reds to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Friendlies Clubs standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.