International football is back with a bang and France’s clash with Italy is expected to produce fireworks.
Both teams suffered heartbreak at the European Championship in Germany but there will be no shortage of talent on display in this Nations League encounter.
With every football bet you could dream of available at Bet777, check out our preview of what promises to be an action-packed affair in the French capital.
We have also thrown in some tips for good measure as further proof — should you need it — that we always cater for all your sports betting needs.
France vs Italy
Friday, September 6, 7.45pm
Parc des Princes, Paris
France vs Italy Preview
France and Italy will be desperate to start well as they target top spot in a group also featuring Belgium and Israel.
Les Bleus exited Euro 2024 in the semi-finals at the hands of eventual winners Spain. Yet it could — and arguably should — have been different for Didier Deschamps’ side considering they took the lead after just nine minutes through Randal Kolo Muani.
With the disappointment of that 2-1 defeat fresh in the memory, Deschamps is determined to shield his players from criticism ahead of another campaign that will bring sky-high expectations with it.
Paying particular attention to the media circus surrounding star man Kylian Mbappe, the 55-year-old head coach said: “The French national team is better when Kylian is there.
“From experience, being in the national team is a break that is good for many of them.
“He is not at his best yet [for Real Madrid] but he is not a robot or Superman. Expectations are high.”
Visitors Italy are licking their wounds after a shock 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the last 16 at the Euros.
But Luciano Spalletti has vowed to produce a side the fans can be proud of as he bids to overhaul the squad.
And while a trip to the Parc des Princes will not have been top of his list to kickstart the revolution, a win in Paris would be the ideal platform to usher in a new era.
Speaking ahead of the crunch game, Spalletti, 65, said: “I am going to create a new group, a new team, putting less pressure on them and hopefully they feel the beauty of the Azzurri shirt even more.”
Latest Nations League Betting Odds
*All odds subject to change
Priced at 1.66, France are hotly tipped to make home advantage count and kick off their Nations League campaign with a win. But a draw may tickle your fancy at 3.78, while you can grab 4.90 on Italy pulling off an upset.
France vs Italy Betting Tips
With Mbappe the overwhelming favourite to be first goalscorer, Randal Muani is a tempting 7.50 to pip his team-mate to the honour of breaking the deadlock. And with two goals in three Ligue 1 appearances so far this term, the Paris Saint-Germain man heads into the game full of confidence.
Bet Builder Quick Bets: France to win, over 2.5 goals & Mbappe to score anytime – 3.50
Considering Deschamps believes Mbappe, 25, has yet to hit top form for Real, two goals in four LaLiga appearances is not to be sniffed at. Throw his Super Cup strike into the mix and it’s fair to say the new superstar at the Bernabeu has already made an impact. With the freedom to express himself in a blue shirt, the smart money suggests he will be on target against Italy.
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