UEFA Nations League: France vs Italy Preview

France v Italy | Friday 6 September 2024 | Parc des Princes | 20:45

The international breaks are usually met with a relatively underwhelming ‘meh’ – especially when they unceremoniously interrupt the domestic season – however when one of the first games on the menu is France up against Italy at the Parc des Princes…what’s not to get excited about!

To Win (90 mins)
France 13/20
Draw 49/20
Italy 38/10

France

I thought France were quite placid at the European Championships earlier this year, but they will no doubt come into this tournament as one of the major contenders.

Ironically, France struggled for goals and their usual killer instinct at the Euro’s, winning just two of their six games inside 90 minutes. They will know this group could be tricky to navigate and they won’t have much license should they begin to stutter. They will no doubt draw confidence from the fact that they have lost just twice this calendar year and will surely want to return to winning ways here.

The consistency evident in France is often vested in the fact that they possess unquestionable and unyielding firepower upfront. The pace and intensity this French side is capable of playing at is undeniable and as a result, they will always be a dangerous side to face. In addition, it is their sort of newfound defensive solidity that I find most impressive. They are able to set up a resolute platform which has been proven against some of the world’s best attacking talent and the pace with which they translate that into an attacking opportunity remains something to behold. Count out this French side at your peril.

Italy

If there was a suggestion that there is pressure or expectation on the French, it is nothing compared to what is surely following this Italian side at the moment. This proud nation bowed out of the Euros at the round of 16 stage in Germany, naturally that sort of title defence warranted a few raised eyebrows, but when you consider the manner in which they lost to the Swiss it just becomes uncomfortable really.

A national side who are synonymous with gritty defence, ruthless aggression and a physicality which could not be matched by too many have struggled to come close to that summation.

Italy have not won a game of football since beating Albania at the opening game of their Euros campaign…so when Luciano Spalletti admits that not only is their group tough, but it requires them to be ‘ready for the tough challenge’ I think it’s putting it lightly.

Prediction: France + Over 2.5 Goals (15/10)

France is prolific at home; I think they will come out in front of a raucous Parisian crowd and match the sort of ‘chip on my shoulder’ energy. They will know they can make a statement here and remind the world of their ability and clinical nature. Get behind Le Bleus.

Written by Ryan Liberty