Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 7, 2024 8:56 pm GMT
France vs Italy: Nations League Showdown in Paris
France will face Italy in a key Nations League matchup tonight at the Parc des Princes in Paris, with kickoff set for 7:45 PM BST. This marks the first competitive outing for Les Bleus since their defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, while Italy will be hoping to rebound after a disappointing early exit from the same tournament.
Recent Performances and Context
The French national team, managed by Didier Deschamps, is eager to demonstrate their strength following a disappointing summer. Despite the setback at Euro 2024, where they fell to Spain in the semi-finals, Deschamps retains his position at the helm. His focus will now be on reigniting the team’s momentum in the Nations League.
Italy, under head coach Luciano Spalletti, endured a tumultuous summer, barely advancing through the group stages before they were eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16. This match against France provides a critical opportunity for the Azzurri to rebuild confidence after their lackluster performance in the tournament.
Team News and Line-ups
France has made some notable roster changes ahead of this fixture. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has withdrawn from the squad due to precautionary health measures, with Sevilla’s Loic Bade stepping in to replace him. Additionally, Lucas Digne has received a late call-up due to injuries affecting Ferland Mendy. Star players such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are expected to headline the starting lineup, joined by newcomer Michael Olise, who earned his first senior call-up following impressive performances at the Olympics.
On the Italian side, several players who missed out on Euro 2024, including Destiny Udogie, Moise Kean, and Sandro Tonali, have been named in the squad for this clash. Notably, forward Gianluca Scamacca remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while veterans Jorginho and Federico Chiesa were omitted from the call-up. This reshuffled squad aims to bring fresh energy as they seek a much-needed turnaround.
Match Statistics and Historical Context
France and Italy have a long and storied rivalry, having last clashed in a competitive setting during Euro 2008. Les Bleus have won the previous three encounters against Italy, reinforcing their status as favorites for this match. Historical data indicates that Italy has not secured a victory over France in Paris for nearly 70 years. The comprehensive statistics show:
| Statistic | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 11 | 18 |
| Draws | 8 | – |
| Last Competitive Meeting | Euro 2008 | Euro 2008 |
Betting Odds and Predictions
As anticipation builds for the match, bettors are weighing their options with various predictions. Current odds show France as the frontrunners at approximately 4/7, while Italy’s odds stand at about 9/2 for a surprise victory. A draw is positioned at 3/1. Given their recent performances, many analysts are predicting a 3-1 win for France, reflecting their attacking prowess and Italy’s struggles scoring goals.
Viewing Information
As of now, a UK broadcaster for the France vs Italy match has not been confirmed. Fans can, however, follow the action through live blogs and various online platforms that provide real-time updates on the game’s developments.
Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Clash
This match is really important for both teams. For France, it’s a chance to show they are the best in their group and bounce back from how they did in the last tournament. For Italy, it’s an opportunity to prove themselves again and boost their players’ confidence. With both teams eager to make a strong start in the Nations League, fans can look forward to a thrilling and tough game in front of an excited crowd in Paris.
