Italy and France are set for a thrilling conclusion to their UEFA Nations League A Group 2 campaigns at the iconic San Siro on 18 November 2024. Sitting at the top of the group with 13 points, Italy only needs a draw to secure the top spot. France, trailing by three points, must secure a win, and preferably by a two-goal margin, to leapfrog Italy and clinch the group.
Despite Italy’s impressive form and home advantage, bookmakers tip France to slightly edge this contest. The odds favor France with a 2.62 chance of winning compared to Italy’s 2.71.
Both teams boast solid squads despite notable absences. Italy will miss key players like Federico Chiesa and Ciro Immobile, while France is without their talisman Kylian Mbappe. The match promises to be closely fought, with France’s attacking prowess going up against Italy’s robust defense and counter-attacking skills.
Given the dynamics, our recommended bet is for France to win, considering their overall strength and desperation to secure the top spot.
Referee Slavko Vincic will oversee what promises to be an intense and tactical battle under overcast skies with a cool temperature of 6°C. The match starts at 01:15, ensuring a captivating late-night football spectacle.
Italy vs. France Prediction & Betting Tip
Based on both teams’ performances, the recommended bet for this game is for France to win. Despite Italy’s b form in the UEFA Nations League A, France has shown greater consistency and depth in their squad.
Here is an easy-to-digest summary:
| Italy vs. France Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| France to win | 2.6 |
Why this bet is a good choice:
- France’s attacking prowess: France has scored in 80% of their matches this season.
- Italy’s vulnerabilities: Italy tends to concede goals in the 61-75 minute interval.
- Desperation factor: France must win by a two-goal margin to secure the top spot in the group, adding motivation.
Italy vs. France Odds
Considering both teams’ form and statistical data, France is the slight favorite to win the match, but Italy’s recent performances make it a tough call. Here’s a quick look at the betting odds:
| Italy vs. France Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Italy | 2.71 |
| Draw | 3.22 |
| France | 2.62 |
France has scored in 80% of its matches this season, making them a solid contender. However, Italy’s b home performances and ability to bounce back from setbacks, as seen in their 1-0 win over Belgium, make them formidable opponents. Considering these factors, betting on France to win offers a big chance for success, but a draw could also be a safe bet.
Italy vs France Live Streaming
- The UEFA Nations League live broadcast is present in India with the Sony Sports Network. The Live streaming of the matches is available on the SonyLiv website and app. Fans can watch Italy vs France live streaming on SonyLiv at 1:15 AM on Monday.
Italy Team Analysis
Italy Recent Performance WWDWW
Italy comes into this match with an impressive recent form of WWDWW. Here’s a quick look at their last five fixtures:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Italy | 0-1 (Win) |
| Italy | Israel | 4-1 (Win) |
| Italy | Belgium | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Israel | Italy | 1-2 (Win) |
| France | Italy | 1-3 (Win) |
Over these matches, Italy has averaged 2.4 goals per game and achieved one clean sheet, showcasing their form both offensively and defensively despite several key players being injured. Their consistency in scoring, having found the net in their last 10 consecutive Nations League matches, will be a significant factor heading into this crucial encounter against France.
Italy Key Players
Italy will heavily rely on their key players to maintain their lead at the top of Group 2. Leading the charge is Davide Frattesi, the team’s top scorer with three goals. His midfield prowess will be vital in breaking through France’s lines and setting up attacks.
The expected lineup sees Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, anchoring the defense, which includes Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Alessandro Bastoni. Midfield generals Nicolò Rovella and Sandro Tonali will look to control the game’s tempo alongside Nicolò Barella, who also contributes heavily to the attack.
One of the critical individual battles will be between Mateo Retegui, the lone striker, and France’s central defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano. Retegui’s ability to exploit defensive gaps will be essential.
Expected lineup for Italy:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni
- Midfielders: Andrea Cambiaso, Davide Frattesi, Nicolò Rovella, Sandro Tonali, Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella
- Forward: Mateo Retegui
Italy Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries have been a significant concern for Italy coming into this crucial clash against France. Several key players are sidelined, which could impact their gameplay and strategy.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Giorgio Scalvini | Cruciate ligament injury | Early February 2025 |
| Gianluca Scamacca | Cruciate ligament injury | Late April 2025 |
| Alessandro Florenzi | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Federico Chiesa | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Matteo Gabbia | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Ciro Immobile | Thigh injury | Late November 2024 |
| Samuele Ricci | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Lorenzo Pellegrini | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Nicolò Zaniolo | Groin injury | Late November 2024 |
With no suspensions to worry about, coach Luciano Spalletti will need to navigate these absences carefully. The injuries to key attackers like Federico Chiesa and Ciro Immobile could limit their offensive options, requiring others to step up. Their b recent form must continue to mitigate these disadvantages.
Italy Tactics and Formation
Italy Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-1-1
- Key Forward: Mateo Retegui
- Midfield Core: Davide Frattesi, Nicolò Rovella, Sandro Tonali
- Defensive Trio: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni
- Notable Strategy: Utilizing the wide midfielders to attack down the flanks and potent counter-attacks.
Italy has shown a preference for a 3-5-1-1 formation under coach Luciano Spalletti. With a b midfield packed with talent like Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella, Italy aims to control the game’s tempo.
Their defensive line, marshaled by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, has been robust but will need to tighten up as they’ve conceded most goals between the 61st and 75th-minute mark. Expect Italy to blend disciplined defense with swift counter-attacks, making the most of Retegui and Frattesi’s offensive prowess.
France Team Analysis
France Recent Performance DWWWL
France has demonstrated b form in their recent matches, with a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss. Notably, France has maintained 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games and showcased a reliable scoring ability with an average of 1.80 goals per game. Their defensive rigidity and attacking consistency underline their competitive edge in this upcoming fixture.
Recent Performances:
- France – Israel: 0-0 (Draw)
- Belgium – France: 1-2 (Win)
- Israel – France: 1-4 (Win)
- France – Belgium: 2-0 (Win)
France Key Players
Expected lineup for France:
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Defenders: Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez
- Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery
- Forwards: Michael Olise, Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola
France’s key players to watch in this clash include Randal Kolo Muani, who is the top scorer with 3 goals, and young talent Warren Zaïre-Emery in midfield. Kolo Muani’s dynamic presence upfront will be crucial, especially against Italy’s robust defense. N’Golo Kanté’s experience and tenacity in midfield will also play a significant role in breaking up Italy’s rhythm.
Expect thrilling individual battles, particularly between Kolo Muani and Italy’s center-back Alessandro Bastoni.
France Suspensions & Injuries
France heads into this critical match with a few notable absentees due to injuries. This could impact their game dynamics, particularly in defense and midfield.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Lucas Hernandez | Cruciate ligament injury | Early January 2025 |
| Castello Lukeba | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Aurelien Tchouameni | Sprained ankle | Mid-December 2024 |
| Wesley Fofana | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
While there are no suspensions affecting the squad, these injuries could pressure Didier Deschamps to make tactical adjustments. Lucas Hernandez’s absence, in particular, might weaken the defensive line, putting more responsibility on Konaté and Upamecano. The midfield will also miss Tchouameni’s presence, increasing the workload for Kanté and Rabiot.
France Tactics and Formation
France’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Randal Kolo Muani
- Midfield Trio: Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 16-30 minute interval. France’s setup under Didier Deschamps is built around a balanced 4-3-3 formation, which allows them to be solid in defense while maintaining an effective attack. In this formation, Randal Kolo Muani leads the forward line, supported by Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola on the wings.
- The midfield trio of Rabiot, Kanté, and Zaïre-Emery focuses on disrupting opposition play and transitioning quickly into attack. Defensively, the solidity is provided by Koundé, Konaté, Upamecano, and Theo Hernandez, with Mike Maignan guarding the goal. Their strategic approach leverages early offensive pressure and a compact defensive shape to stifle opponents.
Italy vs. France Head-to-Head Statistics
The historical clash between Italy and France has seen some thrilling battles. Here’s a look at their last five meetings:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| France | Italy | 1-3 |
| France | Italy | 3-1 |
| Italy | France | 1-3 |
| Italy | France | 1-2 |
| France | Italy | 0-2 |
Italy had the upper hand in their most recent encounter, but France has been dominant overall. These past results promise an exciting showdown at San Siro.
Venue and Weather
San Siro, with a capacity of over 75,000, sets the stage for this exciting UEFA Nations League A clash between Italy and France. Known for its electric atmosphere, San Siro is bound to amplify the intensity of this high-stakes encounter.
The weather for match day is expected to be challenging, with overcast clouds and a temperature around 6°C. Wind speeds are moderate at 3.42 m/s, which shouldn’t significantly impact play, but the high humidity at 86% might influence player stamina.
Both teams will need to adjust to these cooler temperatures and potential moisture on the pitch, particularly Italy, who could leverage the home advantage with familiarity with these conditions. France, on the other hand, will be focused on maintaining their momentum despite the weather.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
IND vs AUS 4th Test LIVE Score, Day 2: Steve Smith approaches another ton, India clueless
Top Stories
