Italy vs France prediction 12.11.2026 | Nations League

Italy had some tough years behind them. They missed the last World Cup, but in the Nations League, Roberto Mancini's team has played well so far and seems on the right track. After four rounds, Italy are second with seven points and could already secure the playoffs on Thursday night. Azzurri are unbeaten in the last three matches. In the previous game, they won 3-1 at home against Turkey. The teams were pretty even, but the hosts' better efficiency was enough for all three points. 

Italy have some injury problems at the moment. Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, Moise Kean, Mohamed Ali Zoma, Giacomo Raspadori, and Matteo Ruggeri are all out for two Nations League games. On the other hand, Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Zaniolo, Federico Gatti, Marco Palestra, Niccolo Pisilli, and Luca Koleosho returned to the national team. Also, youngsters Alphadjo Cisse, Mattia Liberali, Riccardo Cassano, Simone Lontani, and Matteo Palma received their first call-ups. 

France are undoubtedly one of the top three or four teams in the world. They were excellent so far in the Nations League and, with ten points from the first four rounds, are very close to the quarterfinals. Their easiest win came in the most recent outing, when Zinedine Zidane's team beat Belgium 4-1 at home. Although the visitors led until the 77th minute, the hosts completely outplayed them for the rest of the match, scored four goals, and secured another victory. 

France have a long list of absentees, too. They will be without Ousmane Dembele, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, Manu Kone, Esteban Lepaul, Maghnes Akliouche, and Pierre Kalulu. Dayot Upamecano will miss Thursday's game due to suspension. On the other hand, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ibrahima Konate, Warren Zaire-Emery, Robin Risser, Malo Gusto, and Marcus Thuram returned to the squad after missing previous matches. Also, Pablo Pagis and Sael Kumbedi received their first call-ups.