DStv UEFA Nations Match of the week – France v Italy, 6 September 2024

France’s ‘Les Bleus’ and Italy’s ‘Azzurri’ will renew a rivalry which stretches back well over 100 years when they meet in a UEFA Nations League League A, Group 2 match at Parc des Princes in Paris on the evening of Friday 6 September 2024.

Match background

Both France and Italy had disappointing showings at Euro 2024 in Germany during June and July – though it was to very different degrees.

Les Bleus put in a string of underwhelming, defensive performances but still got as far as the semifinals before they were outclassed by eventual champions Spain – ‘La Roja’ won 2-1 thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, ending France’s hopes of a first European Championship title since 2000.

As for the Azzurri, their defence of the Euro title they won in 2021 fell way short of expectations. They got out of their group despite recording just four points from three matches, and they were then beaten 2-0 in the round of 16 by Switzerland, capping off a disjointed tournament showing in which they looked like a team without identity and cohesion.

What the teams are saying

France coach Didier Deschamps on picking up the pieces after their Euro 2024 disappointment:

“We played to a high level, but unfortunately our opponents [Spain in the semifinals] were able to find a higher level, and they deserve credit for what they did at the tournament. For us it is important to continue to evolve, building on our strengths and trying to find a way to improve in the areas where we are not so strong.”

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti on his lack of time to get his team up to speed:

“The responsibility is mine for what happened [Round of 16 exit at Euro 2024]. The fault always lies with the coach because I chose the players, and it is clear that it is a path in which I have to make some acquaintances. I haven't had much time to get to know the players. The previous coaches have all had 20 games to test and get to know them, some even 30. A few more games could have helped me.”

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe – France

Having made an impressive start to life with Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe will look forward to pulling on the blue shirt of France again. The forward had his struggles during Euro 2024 due to a broken nose but should be able to produce better performances now that he is fully fit.

Riccardo Calafiori – Italy

Fresh from a big-money move to Arsenal in the Premier League, Riccardo Calafiori is ready to step up and become the leader of the defence – something Italy have a great tradition of, from the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Gentile, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Franco Baresi and Paulo Maldini.

Head-to-head

In head-to-head stats, France and Italy have met in 37 matches dating back as far as 1910. The Azzurri have claimed 18 wins compared to 11 for Les Bleus, while eight games have been drawn. The teams’ most recent meeting was a friendly in Nice in June 2018 which France won 3-1 thanks to goals from Samuel Umtiti, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele.

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Broadcast details

Friday 6 September

-        18:45 GMT: France v Italy – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

ENDS