Two of European football’s most decorated nations meet at San Siro on Thursday night as Italy host France in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash.

France lead Group A1 with 10 points from four matches, while Italy sit second on seven points. A French victory would guarantee top spot and secure qualification for the knockout stage, while the Azzurri need a positive result to strengthen their own position ahead of a decisive final-day trip to Belgium.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

Italy

Roberto Mancini’s second spell in charge has produced encouraging signs after an initially difficult start.

Following a disappointing defeat to Belgium, the Azzurri responded impressively with victories over Turkey and a valuable draw away to France. Italy then followed that result with another win against Turkey, moving onto seven points and keeping qualification firmly in their own hands.

Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma was the standout performer in the reverse fixture against France, producing a series of excellent saves to secure a point in Paris. His experience could prove vital again against one of Europe’s most talented attacking units.

Team News

There is also growing excitement around Italy’s next generation. Pio Esposito continues to impress at senior level, while newcomers such as Mattia Liberali and Alphadjo Cisse have earned call-ups after strong starts to the season.

However, injuries remain a concern. Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Giacomo Raspadori, Moise Kean and Gianluca Mancini are all unavailable, forcing Mancini to continue reshaping his squad.

France

France have adapted quickly under Zinedine Zidane, after Didier Deschamps’ reign ended somewhan unceremoniously with the World Cup.

Apart from the draw against Italy, Les Bleus have been flawless in this Nations League campaign, recording victories over Belgium and Turkey to establish a three-point advantage at the top of the group.

Their latest success was especially impressive. Trailing Belgium late in the contest, France produced a devastating spell of attacking football, scoring four times in 15 minutes to transform the match completely.

Team News

The visitors possess immense quality throughout the squad, led by captain Kylian Mbappe, who remains the focal point of France’s attack. Marcus Thuram provides another dangerous option, while the return of Aurelien Tchouameni and Ibrahima Konate strengthens the spine of the team.

Defensively, Dayot Upamecano is available again after suspension, though injuries to William Saliba and Pierre Kalulu have reduced Zidane’s options.

France know that victory in Milan would secure first place and remove any pressure ahead of their final group match against Turkey.

Key Factors to Consider

• France lead Group A1 with 10 points from four matches.
• Italy are second with seven points.
• The reverse fixture in Paris ended 1-1.
• Italy have won two of their last three Nations League matches.
• France have won three of four group games under Zinedine Zidane.
• Kylian Mbappe remains the visitors’ main attacking threat.

Conclusion

Italy’s rebuild under Mancini has generated plenty of optimism, and playing at San Siro should give the Azzurri an additional boost.

However, France appear significantly more complete at this stage – a fully developed team, even if they are playing under a new coach. Their squad depth, attacking quality and growing momentum under Zidane make them arguably the strongest team in the group.

Italy will resist as strongly as possible, particularly with Donnarumma behind them, but France’s superior firepower will likely prove decisive.