Italy will hope to arrest their poor recent home form against France, as the pair battle for supremacy in UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group A1.
Match News and Current Form
Sitting second in the group ahead of this round of fixtures and having won four of their last six internationals (D1, L1), Italy may well believe that they can beat France in their latest match-up. A 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture outlined the Azzurri’s continued growth after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and they have now lost just one of their last eight games inside 90 minutes (W5, D2) as they look to take a step towards a third UNL finals appearance in their last four attempts. Winning the tournament has remained elusive for them though, and having lost three of their last four UNL home matches, they will need to be at their best to get a positive result here.
It has been quite the year for France, who arrive in Milan looking to equal their record for most victories (13) in a calendar year. The last of those saw them defeat Belgium 4-1 to remain top of this UNL group, making it 36 goals across all competitions in 2026 - the second-highest tally of any European nation this year behind only England (39). Zinedine Zidane will hope that his side can produce another strong attacking display here as he looks to make it four wins from his first five matches in charge (D1), with Les Bleus aiming to stay unbeaten across their last ten group stage outings in this competition (W7, D2).
Head-to-Head History
France have won their last three away games against Italy - more victories than in their previous 14 such H2Hs (W2, D2, L10).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Just two of Italy's last seven home internationals saw both teams score.
Italy haven't kept a clean sheet in their last seven UNL matches.
Seven of France’s last eight UNL games saw them win 6+ corners.
France recorded 5+ shots on target in 13 of their last 15 internationals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Italy’s Francesco Pio Esposito has seven goals in 13 caps, with each of his last eight goalscoring displays for club or country seeing his side emerge victorious. Michael Olise has 17 goal contributions for France in 2026 (G7, A10) - the most in a year since Thierry Henry in 2003 - scoring three of those seven goals after the 85th minute.
Italy haven't selected Giovanni Di Lorenzo or Giacomo Raspadori for this international break due to injury, while France duo William Saliba and Ousmane Dembélé aren't in Zidane’s squad.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With France in strong attacking form, backing an away win and over 2.5 goals could prove a worthwhile punt here.
Author: Nathan Evans