Italy VS France Match Prediction

As two of the most decorated teams in international football, it is no surprise to learn that the Azzurri and Les Bleus have met on 35 occasions. It is Italy who have the upper hand, leading 18-9, with eight draws.

Their most recent encounters have been well shared, but it was France who took the honours in their last meeting, a 2-1 win in a friendly back in 2012.

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Italy vs France: Prediction

For one reason or another, both of these teams are facing a brand new start. Italy have a new manager who will bring him a different philosophy and a probable change in formation from the flat 3-5-2 employed by Antonio Conte. Whether there are any teething problems with that remains to be seen. For France, the disappointing conclusion to Euro 2016 will have left a bitter taste in the mouth, and Deschamps will be keen for his troops to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

Italy have added some youth to their squad in the form of Andrea Belotti and Gianluigi Donnarumma, and while they are both outstanding talents it might be a little premature for Ventura to discard some of the old favourites that helped the Azzurri over-perform at Euro 2016.

France will come upon a strong start for the match in Bari, and while the likes of Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet will be slowly welcomed back into the side they still have enough quality to see off an Italy side in a state of flux at the moment.

Italy vs France Betting Tips

Expect a low-scoring encounter here: Italy made a living out of keeping things tight in the summer, while France – a rather more cosmopolitan outfit by nature – very rarely go all-guns blazing into international friendlies, besides which many of their players are still coming out of their post-Euro 2016 hibernation period. 

So Under 2.5 Goals at 1/2 is appealing, while Both Teams to Score (No) ramps up the risk but increases the value at 8/11. Neither side holds much appeal in the outright stakes, although being able to back France at odds-against (6/4) is always of interest.

With a new coach in tow, Italy will be looking to get life under Giampiero Ventura off to the best possible start in this home friendly. Ventura has a reputation for bringing through young talent as he did so successfully at Torino, so how that manifests itself long term will be interesting to see. For now at least, he is likely to stick with a similar side to that which took part in Euro 2016.

Italy likely XI:

Following their heartbreaking defeat to Portugal in the final of Euro 2016 – a tournament they hosted remember – Didier Deschamps will have to revitalise his French side if they are to regroup successfully in time for World Cup 2018. He may just wave goodbye to some of the elder statesmen in his squad, and opt for a brave new dawn for Les Bleus.

France likely XI:

A brave new dawn or false hope – Italy fans will be hoping for the former under Giampiero Ventura. Their impressive showings at Euro 2016 owed as much to former coach Antonio Conte\'s tactical nous as a real strength and quality in the squad, so it will be interesting to see how Ventura puts his stamp on this side. It will be much the same from France, you\'d fancy, although Didier Deschamps will surely find the time to introduce some intriguing young talents into the fray. As far as this match is concerned, Les Bleus appeal due to their incredible unbeaten run, and Italy may go through a transitional phase as they seek progression and innovation under their new coach. It\'s a tough match to call this, but France look the smart bet.

Head to head stats hold little appeal such is the lack of recent games between these two sides, so instead focus on the fact that – inside 90 minutes at least – France are unbeaten in their last eleven matches, with nine victories.