France vs Italy prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League A betting tips on match 2024-09-05 18:45.
[p]For the first time since their painful semi-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2024, France will return to action in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) as they take on Italy. While this competition carries less prestige than the likes of the Euros and World Cup, it does hold sentimental value for the hosts who boast the record of being the first nation to win the World Cup, the European Championship and the UNL thanks to their success in 2021. [/p]
[p]Manager Didier Deschamps has called up two new faces to his squad for this round of internationals, with Roma’s Manu Koné and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise both selected. The introduction of those new faces might help to freshen France up on this stage, given their record since lifting the trophy back in 2021 has been poor, winning just one of their six UNL games since (D2, L3). [/p]
[p]Italy are out to restore some pride after a rather bleak period in their history. Despite winning Euro 2020, the Azzurri’s title defence saw them crash out at the last 16 stage this summer, while they’ve missed out altogether on the last two World Cups! A win here could set them on their way, with coach Luciano Spalletti at least boosted by being able to call upon Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is back after serving a ten-month suspension.[/p]
[p]While Italy head to Paris without a win in three matches (D1, L2), they’ve historically tended to produce some strong form in the league phase of this tournament. They’ve actually tasted defeat in just two of 16 matches at this stage of the UNL (W7, D7), and also boast having won the last competitive H2H between the two, although that came 16 years ago back in 2008 (2-0). [/p]
[p]Key battle: KonĂ© looks likely to make his senior bow in this international break, especially having been labelled one of France’s “best” midfielders by manager Deschamps in the build-up to the clash – he lost just once in 11 appearances for Les Bleus’ under-21 side (W7, D3). He could find himself in a midfield battle with Tonali, who holds an interesting record of never having lost an away game while representing Italy (W5, D3). [/p]
[p]Hot streak: The last three H2Hs between these two have seen both teams score in the first half. [/p]
[p][i]Written by David H[/i][/p]