France welcome Italy to the Stade de France on Friday night for one of the standout fixtures of this week’s Nations League action.
Zinedine Zidane could hardly have asked for a better start as France manager. Les Bleus have beaten Turkey and Belgium 1-0 away from home, meaning they return to Paris with six points and two clean sheets from his opening two games.
Italy’s new era under Roberto Mancini has been slightly more chaotic. A 2-0 defeat to Belgium was a rough start, but the response was emphatic as the Azzurri went to Turkey and won 4-1, racing into a three-goal lead before half-time.
Now we get Zidane against Mancini, France against Italy and a proper test of just how much we should read into both teams’ opening week.
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What are the best betting tips for France vs Italy?
France to win
Two 1-0 victories aren’t exactly peak 1998 Brazil, but there have already been encouraging signs under Zidane.
France made nine changes against Belgium and still found a way to win, with Michael Olise coming off the bench to score the late winner. That depth could be particularly important during such a congested international window.
Italy were excellent against Turkey, but France represent a considerable step up. Back at the Stade de France for Zidane’s first home match in charge, we’ll take Les Bleus to make it three wins from three.
Under 3.5 goals
Italy’s 4-1 win in Turkey makes this look slightly more adventurous than it otherwise would, but France’s first two games under Zidane have produced just two goals combined.
They have won both 1-0 and are yet to concede. Without Kylian Mbappé, France also don’t have their usual focal point at the top end of the pitch.
There is enough attacking quality to make this entertaining without necessarily becoming a shootout.
Michael Olise to score or assist
Olise might have forced his way towards the front of Zidane’s thinking after his contribution in Brussels.
The Bayern Munich attacker came off the bench and produced an excellent individual goal in the 88th minute to give France their second victory of the window.
With Mbappé unavailable, France need other players to shoulder more of the attacking responsibility. Olise is one of the most obvious candidates.
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What have the managers said?
Zinedine Zidane:
Zidane was particularly pleased with the depth France showed in Belgium.
Nine changes could easily have disrupted his side, but the France boss felt the players coming into the team maintained the standards he wants.
“We made nine changes, and they were all exceptional.”
Zidane also stressed that he does not want his starting XI to become a closed shop, saying every member of the squad needs to feel capable of contributing.
France now return home after consecutive away games, and Zidane admitted recovery was his immediate priority following the win in Brussels.
“We need rest. We have travelled a lot.”
Roberto Mancini:
Mancini was understandably much happier with Italy’s performance in Türkiye after their disappointing opening defeat to Belgium.
“They all played a great game.”
The Italy boss praised his players after the 4-1 victory, then immediately turned his attention to Friday.
“Now we need to recover our energy before going to Paris.”
What is France’s predicted team?
(4-3-3) Maignan; Kalulu, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Rabiot, Koné, Cherki; Olise, Dembélé, Doué.
Injured: Kylian Mbappé, Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Suspended: Mattéo Guendouzi.
Mbappé remains unavailable after picking up an injury against Türkiye, while Zaïre-Emery is also sidelined. Guendouzi misses the game through suspension.
Zidane made nine changes against Belgium, so several of the players rested in Brussels should return. Olise has also strengthened his case for a start after coming off the bench to score the winner.
What is Italy’s predicted team?
(4-3-3) Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Fagioli, Tonali; Cambiaghi, Pio Esposito, Kean.
Injured: Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante.
Dimarco and Cristante remain unavailable for Mancini.
Michael Kayode could keep his place after scoring on his senior international debut against Türkiye, while Pio Esposito also found the net in the 4-1 victory. Nicolò Barella and Gianluca Mancini are among the players who could return after not travelling to Bursa.
France vs Italy key stats
- France have taken six points from six in the Nations League under Zidane.
- Les Bleus have won both games 1-0 and are yet to concede.
- Italy have scored four goals and conceded three across their opening two matches.
- Italy led Türkiye 3-0 inside the opening half-hour on Monday.
- France and Italy have not drawn any of their last 12 meetings.
- The away team won 3-1 in both meetings between these countries during the 2024/25 Nations League.
France vs Italy prediction
Italy’s response to losing against Belgium was impressive.
Scoring four away from home should restore some confidence, but Friday represents a considerably tougher test of Mancini’s rebuilt side.
France haven’t exactly blown anybody away under Zidane, but two away wins and two clean sheets is a very solid start.
They also showed against Belgium that Zidane can rotate heavily without the level dropping dramatically.
Without Mbappé, another demolition job is unlikely. France should still have enough attacking quality to edge it.
Score prediction: France 2-1 Italy
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