France vs Italy prediction 02.10.2026 | Nations League

France enters this one on the back of a solid 1-0 away win against Belgium to maintain their momentum. Les Bleus always command respect on the international stage.

 Zinedine Zidane’s side are eager to prove their worth after a bitter exit in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals against eventual champions Spain, followed by a fourth-place finish.

The Blues previously placed fourth in the 2024-25 Nations League group as well. Their home soil has generally been a fortress during World Cup qualifying, boasting a three-match winning streak with a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan and a 4-0 win over Ukraine.

Bayern winger Michael Olise is absolutely flying, fresh off coming off the bench to score a vital 88th-minute winning goal in Brussels. Sadly, talisman Kylian Mbappé is completely sidelined after picking up a knee injury against Türkiye.

Italy prepares for this one on the back of a resounding 4–1 away victory against Türkiye to maintain their stellar form. Gli Azzurri are desperately seeking redemption after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup earlier this year.

Luciano Spalletti’s men managed a strong showing in their last Nations League group stage, securing four wins and one draw from six matches.

When playing on the road, they have put their travelling blues behind them with that emphatic statement win in Bursa.

Exciting young call-up Pio Esposito has injected massive life into the frontline, recently racking up a brilliant goal and an assist in his senior breakout performance. Sadly, they'll have to navigate this clash without injured superstars Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco pulling the strings.