France v Italy: how to watch, kick-off time, line-ups, Nations League | OneFootball

France x Italy face off in a major European classic this Friday (2) in Matchday 3 of Group A1 in League A of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. The clash will take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, with kickoff at 3:45 p.m. (Brasília time).

Read also: Marquinhos sees the Brazilian National Team on the right path with Ancelotti

Under Zinédine Zidane, the French arrive with a perfect record in the tournament and are looking to pull even further clear at the top of the group. Meanwhile, the Azzurri are trying to build momentum after bouncing back with a rout over Turkey in the last round.

Where to watch France x Italy

France: Perfect under Zidane and Mbappé out

The French national team has made a solid start to the Nations League. Zidane’s side claimed two 1-0 wins over Turkey and Belgium, leading the group with 6 points.

However, Les Bleus have a major absence: Kylian Mbappé was ruled out of the squad after suffering a left knee injury during the win over the Turks. Without their main star, Zidane is expected to go with an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué, with young Rayan Cherki pulling the strings in midfield.

Probable Lineup

Italy: Climbing the standings and a question mark in attack

After opening with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium, Italy regained confidence with a commanding rout over Turkey in Matchday 2. With 3 points, Roberto Mancini’s team needs at least a result on French soil to stay firmly in the race for qualification.

The winning core from the last match is expected to remain. Mancini’s main doubt is in attack: Moise Kean and Sebastian Esposito are battling for the spot on the left side of the front line alongside Giacomo Raspadori and Pio Esposito.

Probable Lineup

2026/27 Nations League format and the road to the Euros/World Cup

The fifth edition of the Nations League features an extended international window between September and October 2026. The competition carries strategic importance because it directly impacts:

The group stage runs through November 17, 2026. The top two teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals, played between March 25 and 30, 2027, while the final stage (Final Four) takes place in the week of June 9, 2027.

Officials

Match Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) France x Italy

What time is France x Italy?

The European classic will be played this Friday, October 2, 2026, at 3:45 p.m. (Brasília time).

Where can I watch France x Italy live?

The match will be broadcast live on cable TV on sportv and via streaming on Disney+.

Why isn’t Mbappé playing against Italy?

Forward Kylian Mbappé was ruled out of the France squad after suffering a left knee injury in the 1-0 win over Turkey.

Who is France’s head coach?

The French national team is coached by Zinédine Zidane.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.