UEFA Nations League Betting Preview: Italy vs France – Sunday, November 17, 2024

With quarter-final places already secured, we have a European powerhouse matchup in Italy vs France at San Siro on Sunday in a UEFA Nations League showdown. Italy currently top League A, Group 2, while France must secure a two-goal success to overtake first place.

Sunday’s clash at San Siro will mark Italy and France’s second competitive meeting in 16 years, adding to a storied rivalry that includes France’s Euro 2000 triumph and Italy’s penalty shootout win in the 2006 World Cup Final. With Italy only needing to avoid a two-goal loss to secure the group lead, another chapter in their shared history is set to unfold in Milan.

Italy ended France’s three-game winning streak (all of them in friendlies) over them with the recent 3-1 victory at the Parc des Princes two months ago. Bradley Barcola’s early opener was overturned by goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori. 

Italy Betting Preview (+180 at EveryGame) 

Italy needed just a point to ensure knockout qualification and achieved it with a narrow 1-0 win over Belgium on Thursday, thanks to Sandro Tonali’s early strike. After weathering some late scares, Luciano Spalletti’s side extended their unbeaten streak, which began after their early Euro 2024 exit (a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the last-16), and now look to finish the group on top. Since revamping tactics and lineup selections, Spalletti has led Italy to four wins and a hard-fought draw, including a thrilling comeback win over France in Paris back in September.

With qualification confirmed, Italy may rotate their squad, especially in attack. Mateo Retegui has cemented his spot as Italy’s first-choice striker, but in-form Moise Kean — fresh off a Serie A hat-trick for Fiorentina — may be given a chance.

 Nicolo Barella, flourishing in his new role linking midfield and attack, could be challenged by Giacomo Raspadori for a starting spot, while Lorenzo Pellegrini’s recent form has seen him dropped. 

Meanwhile, Italy’s injury list includes Riccardo Calafiori and Samuele Ricci, as well as long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli has joined the squad and will compete with Nicolo Rovella for a spot in the middle of the park.

France Betting Preview (+160 at EveryGame) 

While France have also qualified for the next stage, this November camp has stirred up more questions than answers. Aiming for a strong finish, under-pressure coach Didier Deschamps was left frustrated as his side struggled to break through Israel’s defense, ending with a 0-0 draw in front of a thin crowd at Stade de France due to security concerns. With only a point gained, France’s winning momentum has stalled just before a crucial meeting with the Italians.

After their opening Nations League loss to Italy, Les Bleus rebounded with three consecutive victories, including two over Belgium, but Thursday’s lackluster performance against Group 2’s lowest-ranked team has prompted fresh scrutiny. As Deschamps looks to defend his 2021 Nations League title, securing a convincing result against Italy could help to quiet critics ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

France, meanwhile, are missing key players, including Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, while Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembele, Loic Bade, and Aurelien Tchouameni are out with injuries. AC Milan stars Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start at their home ground, while Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram will likely compete with Randal Kolo Muani for the lead attacking role. Kingsley Coman has replaced Dembele and will battle Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for spots across the forward line.

Possible Starting Lineups of Italy and France 

• Italy: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni – Andrea Cambiaso, Davide Frattesi, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, Federico Dimarco – Nicolo Barella – Moise Kean. (3-5-1-1) 
• France: Mike Maignan – Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez – N’Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot – Michael Olise, Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola – Marcus Thuram. (4-2-3-1) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

Despite its high-profile billing, this clash between Italy vs France could be a cautious, low-scoring affair, with both teams already advancing to the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals and Italy only needing a draw to retain top spot in Group 2. Players may prioritize staying injury-free with the return of domestic leagues looming and a congested schedule, making a stalemate the likely outcome in Milan. Take s shot with these two plays in the Italy vs France matchup over at Everygame.

Spooky Express Free Play: Both teams to score – Yes -120 at EveryGame for 7/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Draw +215 at EveryGame for 3/10 Units