France returns to action in the UEFA Nations League as they face Italy for the first time since their semi-final loss to Spain at this year’s European Championships. Undoubtedly the most anticipated fixture on match day 1.
While France will hope to bounce back from their 2-1 loss to Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, Italy will look to improve following their 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the round of last 16 of Euro 2024.
France won 1-0 in their Euro 2024 opener over Austria but suffered back-to-back draws against Netherlands 0-0 and Poland 1-1. They, however, bounced back with wins over Belgium and Portugal to make it through to the semi-finals, but were later knocked out by Spain in a 2-1 thriller.
Italy struggled to make it out of their Euro 2024 group following a 2-1 victory over Albania followed by a 1-0 defeat to Spain and then a crucial 1-1 draw against Croatia. They were, however, knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland after a 2-0 loss.
Verdict
France are predicted to win this match against Italy since they have only suffered three defeats in their last 20 international matches in all competitions.
France come into this fixture full of confidence as they had been in a good run of form before their elimination from Euro 2024. Prior to the loss to Spain, they had gone 8 games without defeat.
France have been highly impressive at home lately, as they are unbeaten in all of their last 5 international matches at home, winning 3 and drawing 2. Italy, on their part, are winless in their last 6 international matches away from home.
