France vs Italy: UEFA Nations League Preview, Team News and Prediction

France and Italy meet at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday 2 October, in Matchday 3 of UEFA Nations League A, Group 1. It is the standout game of the night. Zinedine Zidane's perfect start meets an Italy side that is rebuilding under Roberto Mancini. Follow France vs Italy live on Score808 for the score, lineups and stats.

France vs Italy: Kick-Off Time and Venue

• Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026/27, League A Group 1
• Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
• Kick-off: 20:45 CEST / 21:45 Kenya time (EAT) / 18:45 UTC
• Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris

Group A1 Standings Before the Match

France lead on 6 points from two games. Belgium and Italy are both on three points, and Türkiye remain without a point.

A win for Italy would put them level with France. A French win would leave Italy six points behind after only three rounds.

France: Form and Team News

Zidane has overseen back-to-back 1–0 wins over Türkiye and Belgium to start his reign. France are the only League A side yet to concede a goal in the Nations League. The attack has been narrow in results but dangerous in moments. Michael Olise scored a late winner in Brussels, and Désiré Doué impressed against Belgium.

The big absence is Kylian Mbappé. He suffered a knee injury while scoring against Türkiye and returned to Real Madrid for treatment. Ousmane Dembélé and Olise are expected to return to the starting lineup, along with Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné in midfield. William Saliba is still recovering from injury.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Doué; Dembélé.

Italy: Form and Team News

Italy have been inconsistent. They lost 2-0 at home to Belgium, then won 4-1 away in Türkiye. The four goals came from different scorers, with Pio Esposito, Davide Frattesi and Kayode among the names praised. The weakness is at the back. Italy conceded 2.89 xG against Türkiye and 2.76 against Belgium. Giacomo Raspadori has pulled out of the squad through injury, forcing a change on the wing.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; Kean. Wait for the official lineup, as previews disagree on some places.

Head-to-Head Record

Italy lead the all-time series with 19 wins to France's 12, with 10 draws. The recent form belongs to France. France beat Italy 3-1 in Paris in September 2024, and won 3-1 again in Milan in November 2024. The return fixture is on 12 November 2026 in Milan, so this game also shapes the second half of the group.

Key Players to Watch

• Michael Olise (France): in form and a constant threat from the right.
• Ousmane Dembélé (France): likely to lead the attack in Mbappé's absence.
• Désiré Doué (France): sharp against Belgium and a danger on the left.
• Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella (Italy): the midfield pair who must control the tempo.
• Alessandro Bastoni (Italy): the defensive leader facing France's pace.

France vs Italy Prediction

Most previews favour France, but they disagree on the scoreline:

• Sports Illustrated predicts France 2-0 Italy.
• RotoWire predicts France 1-0 Italy.
• Sportskeeda predicts France 2-1 Italy.
• Football Whispers predicts France 3-1 Italy.

Our view: France's clean-sheet record and home advantage give them the edge, even without Mbappé. Italy's attack can score, though, so a narrow French win with a goal for Italy looks most likely. This is a forecast, not a guarantee.

How to Follow France vs Italy Live

Open the France vs Italy match page on Score808 for live updates, lineups and standings. You can also browse the UEFA Nations League hub for the rest of the fixtures.

FAQ

What time is France vs Italy?
Kick-off is 21:45 in Kenya (EAT), which is 20:45 in France and 18:45 UTC, on Friday 2 October 2026.

Where is France vs Italy being played?
At the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris.

Is Mbappé playing for France?
No. He is out with a knee injury suffered against Türkiye.

Who is France's manager?
Zinedine Zidane. He has won both of his competitive games so far, each 1-0.

What is the head-to-head record?
Italy lead 19 wins to 12, with 10 draws. France won both Nations League meetings in 2024, each 3-1.