The Stade de France will be full under the Friday-night lights when France return to Saint-Denis for a Nations League meeting with Italy at 20:45. It will be Les Bleus’ first appearance at the national stadium in more than a year, with Zinédine Zidane’s side carrying early momentum into a fixture steeped in rivalry.
France return with a perfect start
- France opened their Nations League group with a 1-0 win against Turkey.
- They followed that result with another 1-0 victory, this time over Belgium.
- The Belgium match was played with a heavily altered selection: around 90% of the side had changed, and the team’s average international experience stood at 14.3 caps.
- Now France face Italy in the third round of the group phase, with every ticket for the Stade de France already sold.
The occasion brings France up against a country closely linked to Zidane’s playing career, particularly through his years at Juventus. It is also a familiar opponent: Friday’s contest will be the 42nd between the two neighbours.
Italy arrive under pressure
Italy travel to France with a far less settled picture around the national team. The four-time world champions have missed the last three World Cups and remain in the grip of a prolonged downturn, despite Roberto Mancini’s return in charge.
A 4-1 win away to Turkey has not been enough to lift the mood among Italy supporters. The Nazionale sit third in the group on three points and need victory in Saint-Denis to reduce the gap above them.
History offers Italy an edge. France have won 13 of the previous meetings, while Italy have recorded 20 victories, leaving the remaining matches drawn. But France’s two clean-sheet wins to begin this campaign have given the hosts a platform as they finally return to their national home.
How to watch
The Nations League match between France and Italy will be shown on La Chaîne L’Équipe and L’Équipe Live Foot. The same platforms will carry the competition’s other matches.
