Italy vs France prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
Italy and France will face off on November 12, 2026, in the fifth round of Division A of the UEFA Nations League. Both sides will be hoping to get the better of their neighbors.
Italy vs France: team news and expert analysis
Italy have lost their World Cup qualifying play-offs for the third time in a row. Mancini returned as head coach in the summer, having led the Azzurri to victory at Euro 2020. His new spell began with a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium. They then managed to beat Turkey twice, before drawing away to their current opponents.
France lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals over the summer, then fell to England in Deschamps' final match in charge, missing out on even the bronze medal. Zidane took over afterward. Under him, France have beaten both Turkey and Belgium twice. But against Italy, they could only manage a draw.
The Azzurri have scored an average of 1.6 goals per match and conceded one. Mbappé and company have averaged 2.1 goals scored and 1.1 conceded.
Previous matches: Italy vs France
France have won five of their last nine matches, with two defeats.
The visitors are in good form, and Kylian is back in the fold. We believe they will get the better of Zidane's familiar rivals at the second attempt (odds – 1.81).
Italy vs France: key stats and trends
- Italy have won two of their previous four League matches
- Both teams have scored in 50% of Italy's matches, with an average of 2.6 goals per game
- France have won three of their last four matches under Zinedine
- Both teams have scored in 40% of France's matches, with an average of 3.2 goals per game
Italy vs France: probable starting lineups
Italy are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Donnarumma — Kayode, Scalvini, Calafiori, Dimarco — Frattesi, Tonali, Fagioli — Kean, Pio Esposito, Sebastiano Esposito. Bastoni is suspended, while Mancini is injured.
France are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Maignan — Kalulu, Jacquet, Upamecano, Truffert — Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot — Olise, Mbappé, Doué. Koundé, Lacroix, Akliouche and Dembélé have not been called up due to fitness issues.
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the teams' progress in the UEFA Nations League standings
