Read our prediction for France vs Italy below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions.
France vs Italy Prediction & Betting tips
The UEFA Nations League match (League A, Group 1) between France and Italy will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 21:45 (Romanian time). The game will be played at the legendary Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The last major official meeting between these two great rivals in the Nations League took place in November 2024, when France won 3-1 in Milan. Analysts anticipate a tight contest: although Italy displayed remarkable attacking prowess against Turkey, their defense conceded a significant number of chances (an xG against of over 2.7 in recent matches). With the home-field advantage and an impeccable defensive record so far (zero goals conceded under Zidane), France enters this historic derby as the slight favorite.
France:
Under the guidance of new head coach Zinédine Zidane, “Les Bleus” have made a perfect start to the campaign, securing maximum points. The French side sits at the top of the group following two pragmatic 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium (the latter thanks to a late goal by Michael Olise). The hosts are missing their captain and star player, Kylian Mbappé, who is unavailable for this international break due to injury. In his absence, Zidane will rely on Michael Olise’s excellent form in attack, most likely opting for a classic 4-3-3 formation.
France (4-3-3): Mike Maignan – Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Théo Hernandez (or Adrien Truffert) – Eduardo Camavinga, Manu Koné, Rayan Cherki – Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé (or Esteban Lepaul), Bradley Barcola.
Italy:
Back at the helm of the *Azzurri*, Roberto Mancini has experienced a mixed run of form. After a disappointing start (a 0-2 home loss to Belgium), Italy bounced back superbly on Monday with a resounding 4-1 away victory over Turkey—a match in which youngsters Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, Michael Kayode, and Francesco Pio Esposito stood out. Mancini is continuing the team’s rebuilding process following their failure to qualify for the World Cup. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will anchor the defense, while the attack will be led by Moise Kean and the young Pio Esposito within the 4-3-3 or 3-5-1-1 tactical setups recently employed.
Italy (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma – Michael Kayode, Giorgio Scalvini, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco – Nicolò Barella, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi – Moise Kean, Francesco Pio Esposito, Mattia Zaccagni.
France vs Italy head to head matches
17.11.2024 Italy – France 1:3
06.09.2024 France – Italy 1:3
01.06.2018 France – Italy 3:1
01.09.2016 Italy – France 1:3
14.11.2012 Italy – France 1:2
* Our advice is: BTS / YES
* Selection odd for this bet is: 1.65
* This analyis is from our perspective and we highly recommend to inform also yourself about all details that can be decisive in your choise to bet!
