France vs Italy is the headline fixture in UEFA Nations League Group A1 on Friday, October 2, as France welcomes Italy to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Kickoff is scheduled for 20:45 Central European Summer Time, or 18:45 UTC.
The match is the third-round meeting in a group that also includes Belgium and Türkiye.
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France enters with a perfect record
France has won its opening two matches of the Nations League campaign, beating Türkiye 1-0 on September 25 before defeating Belgium by the same score in Brussels on September 28.
Those results have given France six points and an early advantage in Group A1.
The team is also beginning a new coaching era under Zinédine Zidane, who has opened his tenure with two away victories.
The home fixture against Italy represents Zidane’s first match in charge at the Stade de France.
It is also the most demanding test of France’s early campaign, with Italy arriving after a convincing win in Türkiye.
Italy looks to build on 4-1 victory
Italy began the group stage with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium but responded with a 4-1 win over Türkiye on September 28.
The result moved Italy onto three points and restored momentum ahead of the trip to Paris.
The Italian side needs another strong performance to keep pace with France and remain firmly in contention for one of the group’s top positions.
UEFA’s new Nations League format places added importance on finishing near the top of the group.
The first two teams advance to the League A quarter-finals, while the remaining teams face different routes involving relegation or play-offs.
Key details for France vs Italy
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Nations League |
| Group | League A, Group A1 |
| Date | Friday, October 2, 2026 |
| Venue | Stade de France, Saint-Denis |
| Kickoff | 20:45 CEST, 18:45 UTC |
| France’s record | Two wins, six points |
| Italy’s record | One win, one loss, three points |
The French Football Federation lists the match at the Stade de France as part of France’s October Nations League schedule.
Italy’s federation has also confirmed the same venue and kickoff time for the Azzurri’s away match.
Matchup carries added history
The fixture brings together two of Europe’s most decorated national teams and gives Zidane an immediate connection to one of the defining opponents of his playing career.
Zidane spent five seasons at Juventus and faced Italy in major international moments, including France’s victories at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, as well as the 2006 World Cup final defeat on penalties.
UEFA highlighted that history while previewing the match.
The teams also met in the 2024 Nations League, when France won 3-1 in Milan after Italy had earlier defeated France in Paris.
The latest meeting is therefore another chapter in a long-running rivalry rather than a routine group-stage fixture.
What is at stake
A France victory would give Zidane’s team a nine-point start and leave it in a strong position before the next round of fixtures.
Italy, meanwhile, can draw level with France on six points by winning in Paris.
A draw would preserve France’s lead but give Italy a valuable result away from home.
The teams are scheduled to meet again in Milan on November 12, making Friday’s match the first of two group-stage encounters between the sides.
With France protecting an unbeaten start, Italy seeking to sustain its response to the Belgium loss and both teams competing for the top two places, the Stade de France meeting is expected to provide an early indication of how Group A1 may develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is France vs Italy?
France hosts Italy on Friday, October 2, 2026, in the UEFA Nations League.
What time does France vs Italy start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 20:45 CEST, or 18:45 UTC.
Where is France vs Italy being played?
The match is being played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris.
What is France’s record before the match?
France has won both of its opening Group A1 matches and enters with six points.
When will Italy host France?
The return fixture is scheduled for November 12, 2026, in Milan.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, scheduling information, group context and qualification rules were checked against UEFA, the French Football Federation and the Italian Football Federation. ([uefa.com](https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/02a9-21b5d2c2d501-a63c5628d09d-1000–uefa-nations-league-matchday-3-preview-players-to-watch-/))
Disclaimer: Kickoff times, lineups and match status can change before or during the fixture; readers should consult UEFA’s official match page for live updates.