A tough away fixture

From the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, whilst the Premier League had not yet been established, Italy - home to the world's strongest league - was always amongst the strongest nations at international level. Having adopted the 'Catenaccio' philosophy from the 1950s onwards and transformed into a side that was extremely difficult to score against, the Azzurri have missed out on the last three World Cups. Despite going through one of the most difficult periods in its history, Italian football still managed to win Euro 2020, which was played in 2021. Even winning this major tournament did not bring the crisis to an end. The Italians, who are determined to be part of the 2030 World Cup to be held in Andalusia, will also co-host the 2032 European Championship with Turkey. Roberto Mancini, who is set to lead this process, began the 2026-27 Nations League with a shock defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Apart from the first half-hour of the second half against Belgium, the Italians were far from pleasing their supporters in terms of their performance and were forced to face a 2-0 defeat. In the Nations League, where promotion and relegation are now easier and fluidity has increased, the Italians not only reduced their chances of reaching the quarter-finals with this result but also put their continued participation in League A at risk.

They lost Mbappé

France, who began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Turkey in Kocaeli, did not put in a particularly strong performance and showed they still need a bit more time. Worse still for Les Bleus was the injury Mbappé sustained whilst scoring the goal. The star player, who has suffered a tear in his left knee tendon, will be unable to play for the national team for some time. Mbappé, who faces at least a three-week recovery period, has returned to Madrid to begin treatment.

France vs Italy tickets

The two teams, who played unforgettable final matches at Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup, were also drawn in the same group in last season's Nations League, with both matches won by the away sides with 3-1 scorelines. In Group 1, where the away teams - Belgium and France - celebrated victory whilst the home sides - Italy and Turkey - were left disappointed in their opening matches, Italy, desperate for every point, faces a tough test at the Parc des Princes. If you'd like to be part of this challenge, France v Italy match tickets are now available via Seatpin.