Two of European football’s most decorated nations meet on Friday night when France host Italy in a heavyweight UEFA Nations League Group A1 encounter.
The fixture arrives with both teams having enjoyed very different experiences during the opening two rounds.
France have made a perfect start to Zinedine Zidane’s reign, winning both of their opening matches. They defeated Türkiye 1-0 away from home before Michael Olise’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels.
Italy, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Belgium but responded emphatically by beating Türkiye 4-1 in Bursa.
The result has left France on six points at the top of Group A1, while Belgium and Italy are both on three points and Türkiye remain without a point.
This therefore represents an important opportunity for Italy to move level with France, while the hosts will be looking to maintain their perfect start under Zidane.
Will France maintain their winning Nations League start, or can Italy make it back-to-back wins to claim a top two finish? Here is our predicted outcome for the match.
What time does France vs Italy start?
The match kicks off at 9:45PM E.A.T at the Stade de France
France vs Italy team news
France will be without Kylian Mbappé, who suffered a knee injury while scoring against Türkiye and subsequently returned to Real Madrid for treatment and recovery.
Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are both expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested against Belgium.
In midfield, Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné are expected to return after being rotated for the Belgium match.
Jérémy Jacquet and Maxence Lacroix are among the defensive options being considered, especially since they have not conceded a goal so far.
Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, Michael Kayode and Pio Esposito were all on target as Roberto Mancini’s side produced an impressive attacking display against Turkey.
The trio will retain their spots in the starting XI as Italy are not expected to make considerable changes here.
Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali are the preferred midfield pairing for Mancini.
France vs Italy head-to-head and current form
France have recorded 12 victories compared to Italy’s 20 wins and there have been nine draws across their meetings, with Italy also holding the advantage in goals scored.
Zidane’s side have been dominant in recent matches, winning four of the last five games played against Italy.
Current form:
France – WWLLW
Italy – WLWWL
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France vs Italy previous games
- Italy 1-3 France (November 17, 2024)
- France 1-3 Italy (September 6, 2024)
- France 3-1 Italy (June 1, 2018)
- Italy 1-3 France (September 1, 2016)
- Italy 1-2 France (November 14, 2012)
France vs Italy prediction
The hosts have been the better side in recent history and come into the game on a better run of form in the Nations League. This makes them a better pick for a win here.
However, four of the last five games between these two sides have produced a 3-1 score. Goals provide a better market for this particular fixture.
Prediction – Over 2.5 goals – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!