Italy vs. France... A fiery clash

Dubai (AFP) – Italy will look to put an end to their recent string of negative results at home against France in a fiery clash at Milan’s San Siro stadium today, in the fifth and penultimate round of the UEFA Nations League First Division Group 1, with the group title at stake.

Italy currently sit second in the group with seven points, three behind France, who only need a draw to reach the quarter-finals.

The 1-1 draw in the first leg ran counter to Italy’s ongoing progress following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the third time in their last four appearances, but their task will not be easy after losing three of their last four home matches in the competition.

France, meanwhile, are enjoying a standout year and arrive in Milan with ambitions of matching their record for the most victories in a single calendar year (13 wins).

In their last appearance, France defeated Belgium 4-1, raising their total goals across all competitions in 2026 to 36, the second-best tally among European national teams this year behind England (39).

France coach Zinedine Zidane hopes his team will continue their strong attacking displays, as he seeks a fourth win in his first five matches in charge.

In the same group, Turkey, who are all but relegated from the First Division, begin a new era under a new manager when they host Belgium, who are striving to keep their hopes alive.

Turkey’s disastrous start in their first campaign in the First Division (four defeats) led to the dismissal of Italian coach Vincenzo Montella after three years in charge, with Sergen Yalçin replacing him.

Belgium’s mixed run (two wins and two defeats) leaves them third with six points, putting them at risk of playing in a relegation playoff for the second consecutive time.

In Group 3, World Cup champions Spain, one of two teams virtually assured of reaching the quarter-finals alongside Portugal, are favorites to maintain their perfect record when they travel to face last-placed Czechia, who are without any points.

Spain aim to maintain their top spot ahead of hosting England on Sunday in the final round, thereby continuing to make history by extending their unbeaten run in regular time to more than 42 matches (33 wins and nine draws), as they have not suffered a defeat since March 2024.

In the same group, two teams with vastly different objectives meet at London’s Wembley Stadium. England seek to confirm their qualification, while Croatia look nervously at their position at the bottom of the table.

The English will have a chance for redemption in the final round, but beating Croatia remains an essential condition for keeping their hopes of topping the group alive.

The only thing separating England and Spain at the top is the defeat suffered by the Three Lions at home to La Roja, 2-3.