France U21 vs Italy U21: Betting tips, predictions, odds & match preview
Five-time U21 Euros winners Italy U21 get their campaign underway with a tricky tie against one of the favourites France U21 on Thursday at 7:45pm (UK time).
France U21 vs Italy U21: Betting tips
Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ Only. Terms and Conditions Apply.
France U21 vs Italy U21: Predictions
France U21 vs Italy U21: Predictions |
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| Bet | Prediction | Best odds |
| BTTS? | Yes | 4/6 with Ladbrokes |
| Correct score | France U21 2-1 Italy U21 | 8/1 with BetGoodwin |
| First Goalscorer | Elye Wahi | 5/1 with Sky Bet |
No nation has won the U21 Euros more times than Italy’s five, joint-most alongside Spain, but it has been a while since they last tasted victory. We’re now 19 years on from Italy’s U21 Euros win in 2004 when they boasted the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Gilardino and Andrea Barzagli in their squad, capping off a period of domination which saw them win five trophies inseven tournaments.
There was disappointment in 2019 when Italy, as hosts, were knocked out of the group stage and last time out there was a quarter-final exit to Portugal after extra-time. In qualifying for this summer’s tournament, Italy went unbeaten with seven wins and three draws from 10 games, finishing a comfortable five points clear of second-place.
Despite all of their good young talent over the years, France have only won the U21 Euros once, back in 1988 and actually went through a period of failing to qualify between 2007 and 2017. Sitting either side of that barren run were two appearances in the semi-finals, in 2006 and 2019, the latter ending in defeat to eventual winners Spain.
In the expanded tournament in 2021, France finished second in their group to make it to the quarter-finals but there was another immediate exit there, with Myron Boadu scoring twice for Netherlands, including the winner in injury time, to complete their comeback after Dayot Upamecano had given his side the lead. France have also had a mixed 2023, starting it off with a 4-0 defeat to England, before drawing against Spain and then beating Mexico, the latter in preparation for this summer’s tournament.
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France U21 vs Italy U21 match stats
In that 4-0 defeat to England, France paid the price for switching off late on, conceding three goals in the final 13 minutes. England were leading 1-0 at the time, thanks to Emile Smith Rowe, but goals from Noni Madueke, Curtis Jones and Jacob Ramsey in minutes 77, 79 and 86 made it a thumping.
It feels as though all eyes are on Elye Wahi this summer to see what he can do for France. The 20-year-old was among the top scorers in Ligue 1 last season, with his 19 goals for Montpellier only bettered by a handful of players which included Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette, Jonathan David, Folarin Balogun and Wissam Ben Yedder — it’s not a bad thing to be beaten by them.
France U21 vs Italy U21: Squawka Says
Scoreline prediction: France U21 2-1 Italy U21
France U21 vs Italy U21 head-to-head
29 May 2018 – France U21 1-1 Italy U21 – Friendly
2 June 2016 – Italy U21 0-1 France U21 – Friendly
28 February 2012 – France U21 1-1 Italy U21 – Friendly
7 June 2011 – Italy U21 0-1 France U21 – Friendly
21 August 2007 – Italy U21 2-1 France U21 – Friendly
France U21 are unbeaten in their past four games against Italy U21 with two wins and two draws. However, the last time they met in competitive action it was Italy who came out on top, knocking France out in qualifying for the 2000 U21 Euros
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