France vs Italy, an international game which needs no introduction.
Two of the biggest footballing nations on the planet, it is a fixture which has delivered some cracking clashes down the years.
Of course, the countries have endured contrasting fortunes in recent times, with France regulary viewed as one of the strongest sides around and Italy failing to qualify for the last three editions of the World Cup.
But that is now all in the past, and returning Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini will be eager to inflict a first defeat on new France manager Zinedine Zidane this Friday evening in Paris.
We should be in for a cracker here, and our full online betting preview is ready to view below, with tips and the latest Nations League odds from NetBet Sport.
And throughout the international break, make sure to keep a keen eye on our Bet Boosts page, with increased odds offered on selected sports markets.
Where can I watch France vs Italy in the UK?
France vs Italy will not be broadcast live on UK TV, but is available through the Amazon Prime PPV service. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm.
France vs Italy Preview
Recent results
The Zidane era has got off to the perfect start, with France collecting back-to-back 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium. Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise was the hero late on in the latter match, the fleet-footed winger scoring in the 88th minute.
Italy suffered a 2-0 home loss to Belgium in their 2026-27 Nations League opener, but responded brilliantly against Turkey on Monday evening. The Azzurri won 4-1 thanks to goals from Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, Michael Kayode and Pio Esposito.
Head-to-head record
France and Italy share one of international football’s most fierce rivalries, playing each other 41 times throughout history.
The Italians boast 19 wins compared to France’s 12, including a penalty-shootout victory in the 2006 World Cup final.
Interestingly, the Azzurri also triumphed 3-1 the last time these sides clashed on French soil in the 2024-25 Nations League.
But Les Bleus won 3-1 in Milan just a couple of months later, meaning they have tasted victory in four of the last five editions of this fixture.
Team news
France captain and record goalscorer Kylian Mbappe will play no part in this match after picking up an injury in the success vs Turkey. Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul operated as the central striker vs Belgium, with Bradley Barcola deployed on the left wing. Zidane has plenty of other attack-minded options at his disposal to accommodate Mbappe’s absence, including Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and – of course – Olise.
Mancini’s Italy squad looks in good shape fitness-wise ahead of this tough test, and the manager may look to reinstate some of his big guns to the XI. Riccardo Calafiori, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Moise Kean could return to starting duty.
France vs Italy Odds
*All odds are subject to change
France are heavy favourites on home soil at a price of 1.42. A victory for Italy is at odds of 6.00, while the draw is 4.60.
France vs Italy Betting Tips
Both teams to score – No @ 2.12
Defensively, France have looked very strong in this international break, even without William Saliba. Liverpool starlet Jeremy Jacquet, Chelsea’s Maxcence Lacroix and Dayot Upamecano helped the team keep two clean sheets, allowing the attacking players to weave their magic in the process. So even though Italy’s previous game saw five goals and both teams score, we feel confident backing this selection on Friday evening.
France total goals – Over 1.5 @ 1.43
Even without the injured Mbappe, France’s attack is stacked with talent. And though Les Bleus have scored just two goals so far in this international break, the forward line has looked potent – tallying 16 shots, nine of them on target, in the win over Belgium. It feels only a matter of time before France rack up multiple goals in a single game, with Italy keeping just one clean sheet in their last five competitive matches.
Player will score and his team will win – Ousmane Dembele @ 2.22
Dembele was afforded a rest against Belgium, with the Paris Saint-Germain star playing just 22 minutes off the bench. But expect him to be reinstated to the XI here, with six of his 13 international goals coming in his last nine appearances. And with Mbappe absent, Dembele is likely to be on penalty duty, which only enhances his appeal in this market.
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