Prediction: Italy vs France

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Having already secured their places in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with a game to spare, European giants Italy and France are set to clash at San Siro on Sunday.

The Azzurri extended their unbeaten streak in midweek to remain atop League A Group 2, while Les Bleus were held to a home draw and now face the task of winning by two goals to claim the top spot.

Italy

Italy needed just a point to secure a Nations League knockout spot on Thursday, and Sandro Tonali’s early goal proved decisive in a narrow win over Belgium, marking their fourth victory in five matches.

Luciano Spalletti’s men, who extended their unbeaten run since their disappointing Euro 2024 exit, have also defeated Israel twice and drawn with Belgium despite playing with 10 men for almost an hour in Rome.

Spalletti’s tactical adjustments paid off from the start of their campaign, which began with a dramatic comeback win against France in Paris after conceding within 13 seconds.

Now assured of a quarterfinal spot in March, Italy can top Group 2 if they avoid a two-goal defeat on Sunday when they host France in Milan.

This encounter, two months after their first competitive clash in 16 years, adds to a storied rivalry, including France’s Euro 2000 triumph and Italy’s iconic 2006 World Cup win on penalties.

Team News

Italy could make changes with their progression secured, potentially rotating their attack. Mateo Retegui has emerged as the Azzurri’s top striker this season, but Moise Kean, in excellent form for Fiorentina after a recent Serie A hat-trick, may get an opportunity.

Whether Nicolo Barella retains his new role linking midfield and attack remains uncertain, as Giacomo Raspadori is a strong contender, following the exclusion of struggling Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Injury absentees for the hosts include Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Torino’s Samuele Ricci, along with long-term sidelined players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli, called up to replace Ricci, will compete with Nicolo Rovella for a spot in midfield.

France

France may have secured their spot in the next round, but their November camp has raised more questions than answers. Speculation surrounding captain Kylian Mbappe’s absence dominated the build-up, and under-pressure coach Didier Deschamps was left frustrated on Thursday as his team failed to turn dominance into goals, drawing 0-0 with Israel.

The match, played in a sparsely populated Stade de France due to security concerns, was further marred by scuffles between rival fans in the near-empty stands.

Following their 3-1 loss to Italy in the group opener, Les Bleus had rebounded with three straight wins, including two over Belgium, but their momentum has stalled with this lackluster display against Group 2’s bottom side.

Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and a Nations League title in 2021, must rely on his track record to quell mounting criticism. Replicating that Nations League success next summer could silence detractors as preparations for the 2026 World Cup gather pace, but his immediate challenge is overcoming a resurgent Italy on their home turf.

Team News

France will be without Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe for unclear reasons, while injuries have ruled out Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, Loic Bade, and Aurelien Tchouameni.

AC Milan duo Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start on familiar ground at San Siro, with Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram competing with Randal Kolo Muani to lead the attack.

Kingsley Coman, drafted in to replace the injured Dembele, who is sidelined with a thigh issue, will contend with Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for spots in the attacking lineup.

Conclusion

Despite its high-profile status, this encounter may result in a low-scoring draw given the context.

With both teams already through to the quarter-finals and Italy leading Group 2, players may prioritize avoiding injuries as they prepare to return to their clubs.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet