| France host Italy at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday in a UEFA Nations League League A game. France have made a perfect start to their campaign, securing back-to-back 1-0 away victories against Turkiye and Belgium. Holding 6 points and consecutive clean sheets, France sit at the top of group A1 with a disciplined defensive play and efficient style of play in attack. Italy sit third in the group with 3 points from two matches. They have shown attacking flair with 4 goals scored so far, but defensive vulnerability remains an issue after conceding 3 goals across their opening fixtures. In 2024 Italy defeated France 3-1 in Paris, with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori overcoming an early Bradley Barcola strike. The historic rivalry remains tightly contested, with both sides trading away 3-1 victories during the previous Nations League cycle. However, France have taken victory in four of the last five overall encounters across all competitions. |
