France vs Italy predictions: France can overcome an Italy in transition
- France are unbeaten in competitive home games since June 2022
- Italy have won just two of their last six competitive matches
- Recommended bet: France/France - Half-Time/Full-Time
France fell short in their bid to become European champions as they suffered semi-final heartache, losing out to eventual Euro 2024 winners Spain this summer.
Les Bleus return to action in the Nations League on Friday with a home game against Italy, who struggled in Germany as they were eliminated in the last 16 by Switzerland having entered the tournament as defending champions.
France have largely stuck with their star men for this Nations League opener, while there is a fresh look about the Azzurri as eight members of their Euro 2024 squad are not involved here.
Team news
France boss Didier Deschamps has kept the faith with the vast majority of his Euro 2024 squad but there could be a few debuts as uncapped Olympians Michael Olise, Manu Kone and Loic Bade have been selected.
Italy are without injury victims Gianluca Scamacca and Nicolo Barella, while Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini and Jorginho have not been selected.
Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli could make their debuts, and Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali are among a number of players who are returning.
The stats
France have won the last three meetings between these two countries.
Italy have won just one of their last five competitive games (D2, L2).
Les Bleus have scored in the first half in five of their last seven home games.
Italy are winless in their last three competitive away games.
Prediction
France are the clear favourites to win and they should be able to bounce back from their Euro 2024 disappointment with a fairly convincing victory over an Italy side clearly now in a transitional phase.
Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti experimented with his team during Euro 2024 but has indicated he will proceed with a back three for now.
However, he is still working out his best line-up and this new-look Italy side may struggle to cope with the experienced Frence - particularly in Paris.
France have scored in the first half in five of their last seven home games, winning six of those. Italy have struggled on the road for some time now and they are winless in their last three competitive trips.
Les Bleus came in for plenty of criticism despite reaching the last four at Euro 2024 and they may be looking to make a statement here. That could translate into a fast start for the French and the 8/5 on offer for France to be winning at half-time and then see out the game appeals.
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