With both teams already qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, Italy and France will meet in a high-profile clash on Sunday at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.
Italy currently top Group 2 in League A after winning four of their five matches so far. Luciano Spalletti’s side secured their place in the knockout rounds with a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium in their last outing, courtesy of an early strike from Sandro Tonali.
In contrast, France have had a more inconsistent campaign. Didier Deschamps’ men were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Israel in their previous Nations League fixture, leaving them needing to win by two goals against Italy to finish top of the group.
The two European powerhouses have a storied history, with France prevailing in the Euro 2000 final before Italy gained revenge by winning the 2006 World Cup on penalties. This weekend’s clash will write the latest chapter in the rivalry.
Italy are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, while France have won three and drawn two of their previous five games. With both teams already assured of progression, the focus will be on finishing top of the group ahead of the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2025.
Spalletti may rotate his squad, with Moise Kean pushing for a start after his recent hat-trick for Fiorentina. France will be missing the injured trio of Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembele and Aurelien Tchouameni, while the continued absence of Kylian Mbappe remains a talking point.
- Score prediction: Italy 1-1 France