France vs Italy: Les Bleus Face Resurgent Azzurri in Nations League Showdown
France will host Italy in the third matchday of Group A in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, October 3, with both sides heading into the encounter on very different trajectories. While Zinedine Zidane’s France have made a perfect start, Roberto Mancini’s Italy arrive with renewed confidence after recovering from their opening defeat.
The match at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis will see France attempt to maintain their position at the top of Group A. Les Bleus have collected six points from their opening two fixtures, recording identical 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium under Zidane.
Italy, meanwhile, have bounced back strongly from a disappointing start. The Azzurri were beaten 2-0 by Belgium in their opening match but responded in emphatic fashion by crushing Turkey 4-1 in Bursa on matchday two. Mancini’s side now sit third on three points, behind Belgium on goal difference.
The victory over Turkey also revealed a noticeable change in Italy’s approach. Rather than relying heavily on quick counter-attacks, Mancini’s players showed greater confidence in keeping possession and building attacks through short passing combinations.
That tactical adjustment could provide France with a different challenge at the Stade de France. Mancini will be hoping to reproduce the same intensity and quality that saw Italy dismantle Turkey, while Zidane will expect his players to remain disciplined against an opponent that appears to be finding its rhythm.
For France, the match offers an opportunity to demonstrate that their strong start under Zidane is more than simply a short-term burst of form. The two-time world champions have been efficient in their opening fixtures, but facing a revitalised Italy should provide a significantly tougher examination.
Recent meetings between the nations suggest that goals could be on the agenda. France have won three of their last five encounters with Italy, compared with two victories for the Azzurri, but both teams have regularly found the net in this fixture.
Italy’s emphatic victory over Turkey has therefore added another layer of intrigue to the contest. If Mancini can maintain the same lineup, intensity and attacking confidence, the visitors could make life considerably more difficult for a France side that has yet to concede in the current Nations League campaign.
Vivagoal expects both teams to find the net in what could be an open and closely fought encounter. A draw may ultimately prove the fairest outcome, although Italy’s recent improvement means an away upset cannot be completely ruled out.
Head-to-Head: France vs Italy
November 17, 2024 – UEFA Nations League: Italy 1-3 France
September 6, 2024 – UEFA Nations League: France 1-3 Italy
June 1, 2018 – International Friendly: France 3-1 Italy
September 1, 2016 – International Friendly: Italy 1-3 France
November 14, 2012 – International Friendly: Italy 1-2 France
Predicted Lineups
France (4-3-3): Maignan; Kalulu, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue.
Head Coach: Zinedine Zidane
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Fagioli, Tonali; Sebastiano Esposito, Pio Esposito, Cambiaghi.
Head Coach: Roberto Mancini
Prediction
France will enter the match with the advantage of momentum and home support, but Italy’s response to their opening defeat has changed the complexion of this fixture. With both sides possessing considerable attacking quality, the battle in Saint-Denis could hinge on which team manages to control the tempo and exploit the spaces left by the opposition.
The pressure is arguably greater on Italy, who need another positive result to close the gap at the top of the group. France, however, will be determined to protect their perfect record under Zidane and strengthen their position as Group A leaders.
Prediction: France 2-2 Italy.
