France host Italy in a huge Nations League showdown in Paris tonight.
Les Bleus are in action for the first time since they were beaten in the Euro 2024 semi-finals by Spain, with long-serving manager Didier Deschamps keeping his job despite that disappointment in Germany.
It was an even more frustrating summer for Italy, who scraped through their group in unconvincing fashion and were then beaten by Switzerland in the last 16, in what was a hugely disappointing defence of their European crown.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW FRANCE VS ITALY LIVE!
The focus now shifts to the Nations League for Azzurri head coach Luciano Spalletti, with these two sides drawn in the same group (A2) as Belgium and Israel.
Date, kick-off time and venue
France vs Italy is scheduled for a 7:45pm BST kick-off tonight on Friday September 6, 2024.
The match will take place at the Parc des Princes in Paris, home of PSG.
Where to watch France vs Italy
TV channel and live stream: A UK broadcaster has not yet been confirmed for the match.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
France vs Italy team news
France XI: Maignan; Clauss, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Fofana, Griezmann; Olise, Mbappe, Barcola
Subs: Areola, Samba, Kounde, Bade, Upamecano, Digne, Kone, Guendouzi, Thuram, Dembele, Kolo Muani, Zaire-Emery
Italy XI: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Cambiasso, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, DiMarco; Pellegrini, Retegui
Subs: Vicario, Meret, Okoli, Buongiorno, Gatti, Kean, Bellanova, Brescianni, Fagioli, Raspadori, Udogie, Zaccagni
France vs Italy prediction
Italy were largely unimpressive at the Euros and this is an incredibly tough test for them as they look to swiftly bounce back.
Injury issues have slightly impacted France’s depth, particularly in defence, but they should have more than enough attacking talent to get the job done here.
France to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
France have won the last three matches between the two sides, though they have not met in a competitive fixture since Euro 2008.
Italy have not beaten Les Bleus in Paris for some 70 years.
France wins: 11
Italy wins: 18
Draws: 8
France vs Italy match odds
France: 4/7
Italy: 9/2
Draw: 3/1
