We predict another victory for France, while each of our three picks include a live-checked UK price and a stated explanation. All selections are our views.Our top France vs Italy betting tips at a glanceSelectionOddsWhyFrance to win to nil9/5Two wins and two clean sheets in the Nations League so farUnder 2.5 goals6/4France have been solid rather than spectacular under ZidaneOusmane Dembélé anytime scorer21/20Proven track record and no Mbappe makes him more important No Mbappe gives Dembélé chance to shineFrance vs Italy match previewThat was more like it from Italy. After a disappointing display in a 2-0 defeat by Belgium in Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge since he returned to the national team, the Azzurri bounced back with a 4-1 victory over Turkey on Monday evening.It was a much improved performance from Italy, albeit against opponents who always give you a chance. They scored three times without reply in the first half to take control of the game, before holding off an attempted Turkey fightback after the break.It was important that Mancini got off the mark sooner rather than later, and the success against Turkey has given Italy some breathing space.A top-two finish and qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals will still be difficult, though, with France and Belgium better positioned as things stand.France have had a serene start to Zinedine Zidane’s tenure, beating both Turkey and Belgium 1-0 to take control of the group.Even leaving aside the instant respect he garners for his achievements and ability as a player, Zidane feels like the perfect coach for this talented France group. He proved at Real Madrid that he knows how to manage big personalities and egos.Zidane is perhaps not the sharpest tactician out there, but that matters less in the international game. France certainly look well placed to reach the quarter-finals, although we are only a third of the way through the group stage as things stand. There is plenty of work to do yet.A third victory on the bounce would leave France sitting pretty in first place, but Italy will view this as a chance to make a statement against one of the best teams in the world.Team formFrance have won back-to-back games under Zinedine Zidane without scoring a goal, but their World Cup campaign ended with consecutive defeats by Spain and England. Italy have only lost one of their last six matches, excluding a penalty shoot-out defeat by Bosnia & Herzegovina.TeamLast 5Goals forGoals againstBTTSFranceW W L L W881/5ItalyW L W W D742/5Ongoing injuriesFrance are unable to call upon the services of Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate, Warren Zaire-Emery and Robin Risser. Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Nicolo Zaniolo are among the injured players who will miss out for Italy.Head-to-head recordEach of the last four meetings between these two teams have finished 3-1. Overall, France and Italy have played each other 39 times, with France registering 12 wins and Italy recording 19 victories.DateCompetitionFixtureResultNov 2024Nations LeagueItaly vs France1-3Sep 2024Nations LeagueFrance vs Italy1-3June 2018FriendlyFrance vs Italy3-1Sep 2016FriendlyItaly vs France1-3Team news and predicted line-upsKylian Mbappe is unavailable for France after he picked up a knee injury in the 1-0 victory over Turkey. Esteban Lepaul deputised up front against Belgium, but Ousmane Dembélé could get the nod here. Italy may be tempted to stick with the same team that beat Turkey last time out.France predicted XI: Maignan; Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Diouf; Akliouche, Kone, Camavinga; Olise, Dembélé, Doue.Italy predicted XI: Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Ruggeri; Tonali; Frattesi, Fagioli; Raspadori, P. Esposito, S. Esposito.France vs Italy match predictionOnline betting apps rate France as the favourites and the hosts should indeed come out on top. We predict France 2-0 Italy as Zinedine Zidane’s side are not giving much away defensively.France vs Italy betting tipsRead on for our assessment of France vs Italy on matchday three of the Nations League.Same outcome for France France are targeting both a third consecutive victory and clean sheet – and we like their chances of getting both.France were usually defensively secure under Didier Deschamps – the 6-4 loss to England in the World Cup third-place play-off was an aberration – and they look set to continue in the same vein under Zinedine Zidane.France gave up more openings against Turkey than they would have wanted, but they did a good job of shutting Belgium out on Monday.Italy are a work in progress and they will struggle to breach the French backline. Back France to win to nil at 9/5 with BetMGM Do not expect goalsItaly’s match against Turkey was very open, as the 4-1 scoreline suggests. There were chances aplenty in that game, but that was more to do with Turkey than Italy.Roberto Mancini’s men will aim to be much tighter at the back against France, although that is easier said than done.Still, the early signs of the Zinedine Zidane era indicate France will be anything but gung-ho in this Nations League campaign.This is far from a vintage Italian frontline, which also increases the chances of France recording another shut-out. Tip under 2.5 goals at BoyleSports No Mbappe gives others chanceKylian Mbappe has dropped out of the France squad after sustaining an injury, giving other attackers the opportunity to shine.Ousmane Dembélé only appeared off the bench against Belgium earlier this week, but he should be back in the XI to face Italy.The Paris Saint-Germain man is much more reliable in front of goal than he used to be in his younger years.At odds better than evens, it is hard to pass up the chance to back him to find the back of the net. Go for Ousmane Dembélé to score any time at 21/20 with bet365 Where and when to watch in the UKDate: Friday 2nd October.Kick-off: 7.45pm.Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France.Where to watch: Amazon Prime PPV.Key statsEach of the last 12 meetings between France and Italy have had a winner.France have won nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions.Only one of Italy’s last six games has contained three goals or more.FAQBelow you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions about the upcoming game.1. Who is the referee for the fixture?The referee for France vs Italy has not been confirmed at the time of writing.2. Where will the fixture take place?France vs Italy will take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France.3. What is the weather forecast for kick-off?The weather forecast for France vs Italy is 18 degrees with light winds.More Nations League predictionsWe have plenty more Nations League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. 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