France will be hoping to record a third straight win at the start of their UEFA Nations League campaign when they host Italy on October 2.

Zidane Enjoying Dream Start to Managerial Reign

Zinedine Zidane will take huge confidence from his start to life as France boss, as the team have won back-to-back clashes without conceding against Turkey and Belgium.

Better offensive efficiency may be required, as France have scored just twice despite registering 13 shots on target. Michael Olise scored the recent winner against Belgium, which is his sixth goal involvement in three appearances.

Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Ousmane Dembele will all likely be recalled after being rested on Monday. Kylian Mbappe will miss out due to injury.

France predicted lineup vs Italy (4-3-3): Maignan; Kalulu, Kounde, Lacroix, Truffert; Camavinga, Kone, Cherki; Olise, Dembele, Barcola

Mancini Chasing Successive Wins

Roberto Mancini would have been delighted with his team’s response to a 2-0 loss against Belgium last week, as Italy bounced back with an offensively strong 4-1 win in Turkey.

Pio Esposito was excellent in the final third, registering a goal and an assist. The Inter Milan forward has accumulated five goal involvements in six starts.

Michael Kayode also excelled at right-back, scoring his second goal in six appearances. Giacomo Raspadori has been ruled out of the game against France, and Riccardo Calafiori is also unlikely to feature.

Italy predicted lineup vs France (4-1-2-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Ruggeri; Tonali; Frattesi, Fagioli; Cambiaghi; P. Esposito, S. Esposito

France vs Italy Prediction

  • Safe Tip: France
  • Odds: 1.408 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: X8EGT
  • Correct score prediction: France 2-0 Italy

Key stats:

  • France have won nine of their last eleven internationals.
  • Italy have failed to win three of their previous five competitive fixtures.
  • France have won three of the last four head-to-heads.

France should have the ability to cruise to a third straight win under their new head coach. The national team have been in red-hot form throughout 2026, winning nine of their last eleven internationals.

Over that period, they have kept clean sheets in four of their previous six. Italy are yet to showcase their ability against the very highest-ranked teams, having failed to win three of their last five.

Meanwhile, they have lost back-to-back games, allowing six goals and scoring just once against teams ranked in the top 20. France also hold a healthy head-to-head advantage, winning three of the four clashes.

France vs Italy Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Michael Olise to Score
  • Odds: 2.875 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: BBHGT

After scoring in the recent win against Belgium, Michael Olise’s confidence will be high, making him a standout value selection to score against Italy. The Bayern Munich star has registered six goals in his last five appearances.

He has also proven his efficiency this season, hitting the target with 1.94 shots per game and registering a shot accuracy of 49.5%.

Verdict: France (1.408) — France 2-0 Italy