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France are aiming to extend their perfect start to the Nations League campaign when they welcome Italy to the Stade de France on Friday night.
Les Bleus have won both games 1-0 away from home against Turkey and Belgium.
Meanwhile, Italy lost 2-0 at home to the Red Devils in their opener, before beating the Turks 4-1 on away soil.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
France vs. Italy key stats
- France are unbeaten in six competitive home games (W5, D1).
- Italy have kept just one clean sheet in seven competitive away matches.
- France have won four of the last five H2Hs (L1).
France vs. Italy preview: Les Bleus to maintain perfect start?
France vs Italy — Tale of the Tape
| France | vs | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Position | 3rd |
| 6 | Points | 3 |
| 2 | Goals For | 4 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 1st (H) | Home / Away Rank | 2nd (A) |
After finishing fourth in a World Cup they were favourites to win at the knockout stage, France would have wanted to make a strong start to their Nations League campaign.
They have done just that, and new head coach Zinedine Zidane has two wins from two under his belt.
Les Bleus are one of the favourites to win the competition as they did in 2020/21, and boast a star-studded squad despite having some key players unavailable.
William Saliba is one of those as he continues to recover from injury, but France have still managed successive clean sheets without the Arsenal defender.
That is one thing Italy have not managed in the Nations League so far, but they have still picked up three points from two games.
It was an impressive display by Roberto Mancini's side in Turkey, but France will provide a much tougher test.
Les Bleus are heavy favourites to top the group, meaning the Azzurri are likely fighting Belgium for second place.
Any positive result here will do, and Italy will be able to field their strongest possible team with no fresh concerns in their squad.
France vs. Italy form guide & betting tips
| France | vs | Italy |
|---|---|---|
WLLWW |
Form | LWWLW |
| 10 | Goals For | 7 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 4 |
WW |
Nations League | LW |
Whispers predicts: France 3-1 Italy
France are 4/9 (1.44) favourites, but while we agree with the bookies, we want to explore other bets.
Having scored four last time out, Italy could still cause Les Bleus problems and so BTTS – Yes at 8/13 (1.62) appeals.
Michael Olise was the matchwinner for France against Belgium, and Olise to score anytime at 15/8 (2.88) is fairly priced.
Interestingly, the last four H2Hs have produced a 3-1 scoreline, so Correct score – 3-1 at 10/1 (11.00) could be worth an outside punt.
> BTTS – Yes at 1.62 | Likelihood: High
> Olise to score anytime at 2.88 | Likelihood: Medium
> Correct score – 3-1 at 11.00 | Likelihood: Low