Two giants of international football collide on Friday night, as France and Italy kick off their new UEFA Nations League campaigns at Parc des Princes.
While the Azzurri made a dismal defence of their European title during the summer, Les Bleus exited to eventual Euro 2024 winners Spain in the semi-finals; now, the teams convene in Paris.
© Imago
Although France reached the last four at this year's Euros - and Randal Kolo Muani's early goal in the semi-final loss to Spain gave hope of making it to the final - they rarely convinced, going out after scoring just once outside of set-pieces and own goals.
Once again, Didier Deschamps received some criticism for his reserved tactics, but the long-serving coach will now lead Les Bleus into another campaign, with this season's Nations League next up on the agenda.
In addition to claiming global glory back in 2018, Deschamps was in charge for a French victory in the 2021 edition of UEFA's newest competition, but his team finished a distant third in their group last time around, picking up just five points from six games.
France cannot afford such a sub-par showing again in 2024-25, as the nation that finishes bottom of each group will automatically be relegated, while third-placed teams must take part in a playoff to avoid dropping down into League B.
The top two in Group 2 - which also features Belgium and Israel - will qualify for a new quarter-final round, with the winners of those ties progressing to the finals in June of next year.
© Imago
If France were quite disappointed with their Euros, it is fair to say that Italy were dismayed, as they scraped through a tough group thanks to Mattia Zaccagni's last-gasp goal against Croatia, before bowing out at the first knockout stage.
Luciano Spalletti's side never really found their rhythm, and few complaints could be made when they were sent packing by neighbours Switzerland in the last 16, abruptly ending their title defence.
Reflective as ever, Spalletti has since spoken of bringing clarity and consistency to the Italian set up, while phasing out some established members of his squad and bringing through new blood.
Italy had arrived in Germany unbeaten in six games since Spalletti succeeded Euro 2020-winner Roberto Mancini, who departed after leading the Azzurri to top spot in their most recent Nations League group, and then to third place in the finals.
Before meeting Israel next week, La Nazionale face a tough start to this season's campaign, against opponents they have lost to in their last three friendly meetings but famously defeated in the 2006 World Cup final.
In fact, Friday's game will be Italy's first competitive meeting with France in some 16 years, so an age-old rivalry will finally be renewed at Parc des Princes.
© Imago
Didier Deschamps has kept faith with most of his Euro 2024 squad for this month's Nations League fixtures, but free agent Adrien Rabiot and Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard have both been dropped.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has been called up for the first time, after impressing at the Olympics by recording seven goal involvements as France claimed a silver medal. Recent Roma signing Manu Kone could also make his senior debut.
Another Olympian, Loic Bade, was added to the squad after Chelsea's Wesley Fofana withdrew, citing his need to work on fitness following a long injury layoff.
Ferland Mendy has also pulled out, with Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne being brought in to replace him; Italy-based Matteo Guendouzi has been drafted in as midfield cover.
Meanwhile, Italy will be without Gianluca Scamacca - who recently suffered an ACL injury - and Nicolo Barella, who has undergone scheduled sinus surgery.
In all, eight players from Luciano Spalletti's Euros squad are absent - including Gianluca Mancini and Jorginho - but there are first call-ups for Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli; Destiny Udogie, Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali are among several players returning.
After his tactical tinkering in Germany, Spalletti has spoken of sticking with a back three for the foreseeable future, so Giacomo Raspadori and in-form Atalanta BC striker Mateo Retegui could start up front in a 3-5-2 formation.
France possible starting lineup:Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Thuram, Mbappe
Italy possible starting lineup:Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Ricci, Tonali, Frattesi, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui
While France have been hit by injuries, their well of talent is deep, whereas Italy are rebuilding from a lower base and remain short of quality in key areas.
As a result, the hosts should take maximum points on the opening matchday, leaving the Azzurri with work to do in their upcoming Group 2 contests.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Subscribe to our newsletter REAL MADRID
He confirmed his nose is fine, and that things in the Spanish capital are going well: “Everything is working very well.” Regarding PSG and his reunion with the Parisian fans, there are no hard feelings: “Maybe it’s my age, but I’m learning that revenge doesn’t exist. What happened last year, happened. I have only good memories. PSG is a club that gave me everything, and I spent seven wonderful years there. I truly wish them the best.”
-1,8 - Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 is the player in the Top 5 European Leagues this season who has made the most shots this season (17) and who has the worst difference between Expected Goals (1.8 xG) and goals scored (none). Desperate#RM 🤍💜 pic.twitter.com/P4YbHvAzq0
How does it feel to be back in France?
“I didn’t leave that long ago! It’s always a pleasure to join the national team, as I’ve said before.”
Is the Nations League a big challenge for you?
“For us, nothing is more important than the French national team. We’ve already won this competition, and it brought us great joy. But when we lost, it wasn’t the end of the world either. We’re going to give it our all. We have to win tomorrow’s match. I remember we actually won this competition in Italy.”
How do you feel after the European Championship?
“Well, my nose isn’t broken anymore! So I’m fine. I’m able to play in all three attacking positions. Physically and mentally, I feel good.”
How is your adaptation to Real Madrid going?
“I’m very happy. Everything is going well, and my performance is improving little by little. I’ve been scoring, and things are working out. But I come to the national team with the same energy as always.”
Do you still have the same motivation to play for France?
“Always. I come here to win. I’m happy in Madrid, but my pride in representing Les Bleus remains unchanged.”
🌟 | PLAYER OF THE MATCHKylian Mbappé v Real Betis:👌 49 touches⚽️ 2 goals🎯 9 shots/3 on target (1.36 xG)🔑 1 key pass💨 2/4 successful dribbles📈 8.8 Sofascore RatingHis first-ever LaLiga goals lead Real Madrid to a 2–0 win at the Bernabéu! 💫#RealMadridRealBetis pic.twitter.com/j4341bvZhS
What kind of reception do you expect at the Parc des Princes?
“It’s special. I spent many years there, and I have lots of memories. It’s the stadium I know best in my career so far. As for the reception tomorrow, I’m not expecting much. The most important thing is to win and get the Nations League campaign off to a good start.”
How’s your nose?
“When I arrived in Madrid, they ran tests and said I didn’t need surgery. I’m feeling good.”
What do you think of Barcola, your replacement at PSG?
“I’m not surprised by his performance. I’m happy for him; he’s not only a great player but also a good person. I wish him all the best. Take care of him, because while he’s fresh air now, there will be times when he doesn’t score, and I hope people don’t criticize him for it. He’s at a great club where he can develop and play important matches. It’s good for him, PSG, and, of course, for us in the national team.”
Anything to say to PSG?
“I have nothing but good memories. PSG is a club that gave me everything, and I spent seven wonderful years there. I wish them nothing but the best.”
REAL MADRID
NFL
Do you feel the need for revenge?
“No. Maybe it’s my age, but I’m learning that revenge doesn’t exist. What happened last year happened, and it has helped me avoid making the same mistakes again.”
SOUTH AMERICAN QUALIFIERS
2024 BALLON d'OR
REAL MADRID
DAZN
Enjoy live and on-demand online sports on DAZN. Activate your account
NBA Pass League
Now you can watch the entire NBA season or your favorite teams on streaming. France vs Italy broadcasters, TV channels and free streams
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Watch France vs Italy in the 2024 Nations League today, as the European heavyweights, led by Kylian Mbappé and Riccardo Calafiori, face off in a competitive fixture for the first time in 16 years. Below we have all the info on how to watch France vs Italy from anywhere in the world with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters, free streams and start times.
Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi fired the Azzurri to a 2-0 victory on that occasion, though Les Bleus have won three friendlies since. While the Nations League doesn't carry the same weight as the Euros, both of these teams' lackluster performances in the summer have cranked up the pressure on respective coaches Didier Deschamps and Luciano Spalletti.
While Spalletti still has credit in the bank, thanks to his exploits at Napoli and the fact he's only been at the helm for 12 months, it's frankly astonishing that Deschamps is still in the job. Despite possessing the deepest pool of talent at the Euros, France stunk the tournament out, and Deschamps' has responded by belatedly calling up fleet-footed trickster Michael Olise. Better late than never?
France team: Maignan, Clauss, Konate, Saliba, T Hernandez, Fofana, Kante, Griezmann, Olise, Barcola, Mbappe
Italy team: Donnarumma, Calafiori, Bastoni, di Lorenzo, Dimarco, Tonali, Ricci, Frattesi, Cambiaso, Pellegrini, Retegui
Here's where to watch France vs Italy online from anywhere – including FREE options.
You can watch France vs Italy in Nations League 2024 for FREE on TF1 in France and Rai Sport in Italy:
Use a VPN to watch France vs Italy for free on your usual streaming service above if you are away from home.
NordVPN – try it risk-free for 30 days Use NordVPN to watch your usual France vs Italy free stream from abroad. We test all the providers and we rate Nord as the best VPN. There's 24/7 support available, a money-back guarantee and, best of all, there's currently over 70% off with this deal.
As with every other Nations League match, you can watch a France vs Italy live stream on FuboTV in the US. The Fubo Pro plan costs $79.99 per month and gives you access to over 180 channels.
Unfortunately, France vs Italy has slipped through the cracks in the UK, with no broadcasters showing the Nations League game.
In Australia, France vs Italy is being shown on Optus Sport.
Fans who are happy to brave the unsociable kick-off time of 4.45am AEST can stream Optus Sport's coverage via mobile, PC or tablet, and can also access the service on Fetch TV, Chromecast or Apple TV.
Anyone who isn't already signed up to the Optus telecommunications network can get a monthly subscription to Optus Sport from AU$24.99. For existing Optus customers, Optus Sport prices start at $6.99 per month.
Click to see more France vs Italy streams▼
The Nations League broadcast rights are held by beIN Sports in Algeria, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania and Morocco.
SuperSport and Star Times are the Nations League broadcasters in sub-Saharan countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Click to see more France vs Italy streams▼
DAZN has the rights to broadcast the Nations League.
Disney Plus and/or ESPN have the broadcast rights to the Nations League across Latin America.
For Nations League coverage in Brazil, you should check out Disney Plus and ESPN.
The Nations League rights belong to Sky Mexico in Mexico.
Click to see more France vs Italy streams▼
Tapmad holds the Nations League rights in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
iQiyi is the main Nations League rights-holder in China.
Broadcaster DAZN has the rights to show Nations League live streams in Japan.
Click to see more France vs Italy streams▼
Sky Sport is the Nations League broadcaster in New Zealand.
Soccer fans can watch France vs Italy for free in France via TF1, in Italy courtesy of Rai Sport, and in the US on Fubo Sports Network.
Remember that, if you're traveling away from home, you can use a VPN to watch France vs Italy free from abroad on your usual streaming service.
The France vs Italy game takes place at 2.45pm ET / 11.45am PT / 7.45pm BST on Friday, September 6 in the US and UK, which in Australia is 4.45am AEST on Saturday, September 7.
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest Nations League news and highlights on the official UEFA social media channels on X/Twitter (@UEFA), Instagram (@UEFA_official) and YouTube (@UEFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.
How to watch Sinner vs Draper: US Open 2024 semi-final live streams today
How to watch The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reality miniseries from anywhere
'AMD should bite the bullet and buy them out' — Intel reveals game-changing technology for enterprise, but with its share price at its lowest in a decade, is it too little too late?
TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
