Italy and France renew their rivalry on Thursday when they lock horns at San Siro in a potentially decisive UEFA Nations League Group A1 encounter.

The Azzurri head into the contest sitting second in the standings, having collected four wins from their last six internationals (D1, L1). Gennaro Gattuso’s side have shown encouraging signs of progress despite failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing just one of their last eight matches inside 90 minutes (W5, D2).

A 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture offered further encouragement, although Italy must overcome their disappointing home record in this competition to strengthen their chances of reaching third Nations League finals in four attempts.

Indeed, the hosts have lost three of their last four Nations League home matches, while they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven outings in the competition.

France, meanwhile, arrive in Milan in much better scoring form after a convincing 4-1 win over Belgium last time out.

Les Bleus have scored 36 goals across all competitions in 2026, second only to England (39) among European nations, highlighting the attacking firepower at Zinedine Zidane’s disposal.

The former Real Madrid manager has made a promising start to life in the France dugout, winning four of his first five matches (D1), with his team looking to extend their unbeaten run in Nations League group-stage fixtures to 10 games (W7, D2).

Another victory would also keep France firmly on course to finish top of Group A1, although Italy’s determination to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment could make this a considerably tougher assignment than the visitors might expect.

Italy vs France head-to-head record

France have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in this fixture, winning their last three away matches against Italy after previously managing just two victories in their first 14 visits (D2, L10).

The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting that the Azzurri can compete with their more illustrious neighbours, although their recent home struggles against Nations League opposition remain a concern.

Regardless, the Italians have won just once in their last six meetings with Les Bleus (D2, L3), scoring precisely one goal in each of those five winless clashes.

Italy vs France key stats

• Italy have won four of their last six internationals (D1, L1).
• The Azzurri have lost just one of their last eight matches inside 90 minutes (W5, D2).
• Only two of Italy’s last seven home internationals have seen both teams score.
• Italy have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven Nations League matches.
• France have scored 36 goals across all competitions in 2026.
• Les Bleus have won four of their first five matches under Zidane (D1).
• France have won seven of their last nine Nations League group-stage matches, drawing the other two.
• France have registered at least five shots on target in 13 of their last 15 internationals.

Players to watch

Francesco Pio Esposito has quickly established himself as an important attacking option for Italy, registering seven goals in just 13 international appearances.

The Inter youngster will be eager to make another difference against elite opposition, particularly with Italy needing a clinical performance to trouble France’s defence.

On the other hand, Michael Olise has emerged as one of Europe’s most productive attacking players in 2026, contributing 17 goals and assists (7G, 10A) for Les Bleus.

The Bayern Munich winger has also demonstrated a knack for delivering when it matters most, scoring three of his seven international goals this year after the 85th minute.

Team news

Italy will be without Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Giacomo Raspadori, who have both missed out on selection due to injury.

France are also dealing with notable absentees, with William Saliba and Ousmane Dembele unavailable for Zidane’s latest squad.

Italy vs France Potential Starting Lineups

Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Doumbia; S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Cisse.

France (4-3-3): Maignan; Gusto, Jacquet, Upamecano, Truffert; Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Barcola.

Italy vs France Prediction

France head into proceedings as favorites despite Italy’s mini-revival and are likely to make it four wins from five in Group A1. Zidane’s men have been in superb form since returning home from the United States, and it’s hard to imagine the Azzurri knocking them off their perch.

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