France vs Italy – UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Preview

Match Detail	Information
Match	France vs Italy
Competition	UEFA Nations League 2026/27
League	League A – Group A1
Matchday	Matchday 3
Date	Friday, 2 October 2026
Kick-off	12:15 AM IST, 3 October
Venue	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France

Match Preview

France will host Italy at the Stade de France in one of the biggest fixtures of Matchday 3 in the UEFA Nations League 2026/27. The Group A1 encounter is scheduled for 20:45 CET on Friday, 2 October, which is 12:15 AM IST on 3 October. UEFA confirms the Stade de France as the venue.

France have made a perfect start to the campaign with two 1-0 victories, against Türkiye and Belgium. Italy began with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium but responded strongly by beating Türkiye 4-1 away from home.

France Team Form

France currently have six points from their opening two matches. Their victories against Türkiye and Belgium were both decided by a single goal, with Michael Olise scoring the late winner against Belgium in Brussels.

New head coach Zinédine Zidane will now take charge of his first home Nations League match as France manager. UEFA highlighted France's perfect start and Zidane's positive approach after the win over Belgium.

Italy Team Form

Italy suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Belgium in their opening match but produced a strong response in Türkiye. Roberto Mancini's side won 4-1, with Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, Michael Kayode and Francesco Pio Esposito among the scorers.

The result gives Italy three points and renewed momentum heading into the difficult trip to Saint-Denis.

Team News

France will be without captain Kylian Mbappé because of injury. Despite his absence, France have won both matches during this international window, demonstrating the depth available to Zidane.

Italy can take confidence from the emergence of Francesco Pio Esposito and Michael Kayode after their impressive performance against Türkiye. Pio Esposito scored in that match, while Kayode made his Italy debut.

Key Players to Watch

• Michael Olise – France: His creativity and decisive finishing have already made an impact in France's opening matches.
• Ousmane Dembélé – France: His pace and ability to attack space can provide France with another major threat.
• Adrien Rabiot – France: His physical presence and experience can be important in midfield.
• Francesco Pio Esposito – Italy: The young striker scored against Türkiye and will be looking to continue his impressive international start.
• Davide Frattesi – Italy: His ability to make late runs into the box adds another dimension to Italy's midfield.
• Alessandro Bastoni – Italy: His defensive quality and ability to progress the ball from the back can be important against France's attack.

Head-to-Head

France and Italy have a long-standing international rivalry. UEFA's current head-to-head record lists 12 France victories, nine draws and 20 Italy victories, with Italy having scored 86 goals to France's 60 in their recorded meetings.

This latest meeting adds another chapter to the rivalry, with both nations competing in Group A1 for a place in the Nations League knockout stage.

Tactical Battle

France are likely to try to control the match through possession and aggressive pressing while using their wide players to create openings. Without Mbappé, greater responsibility could fall on players such as Olise and Dembélé to provide penetration.

Italy will arrive with confidence after their 4-1 victory in Türkiye. Their midfield movement and ability to transition quickly could test France if the hosts commit numbers forward.

Match Prediction

France have home advantage and a perfect six-point start, while Italy enter the match after an impressive away victory. The game could be closely contested, particularly if Italy's attacking momentum continues.

Predicted Score: France 2-1 Italy

Conclusion

France vs Italy is one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 3 in the UEFA Nations League 2026/27. France will look to maintain their perfect start under Zidane, while Italy will attempt to build on their emphatic victory over Türkiye.

The match kicks off at 12:15 AM IST on Saturday, 3 October 2026 at the Stade de France in Saint-De

nis.