Italy vs France live: Nations League streams, TV channels, kick-off and team news

Italy and France meet at San Siro on Thursday in a Nations League fixture that matters for both sides’ immediate plans: Italy are testing the stability of Roberto Mancini’s rebuild, while France need a result to cement qualification. Kick-off is 7:45pm GMT / 2:45pm ET — here’s how to follow the game live, who could start, and what’s at stake.

What to watch first

Italy arrive in Milan having steadied after an opening defeat, showing sharper attacking options and defensive cohesion in recent outings. France, under Zinedine Zidane, produced a convincing 4-1 win over Belgium last month and have reintroduced Kylian Mbappé to the squad for this international window.

The match is more than a friendly tune-up: a positive result puts either team in a strong position in the group and alters the dynamics ahead of tougher fixtures later in the campaign.

Team news and likely lineups

Managers have named strong sheets, signalling they expect a competitive contest rather than a rotated, experimental side.

Italy (probable XI): Donnarumma; Kayode; Scalvini; Bastoni; Calfiori; Frattesi; Tonali; Barella; Pio Esposito; S. Esposito; Cambiaghi.

France (probable XI): Maignan; Gusto; Jacquet; Upamecano; Truffert; Cherki; Da Cunha; Rabiot; Olise; Doue; Barcola.

France are managing several defensive absences through injury, which may prompt Zidane to trust younger options at the back. Italy’s selection suggests Mancini is balancing experience with in-form youngsters, notably the 21-year-old forward who has been finding the net regularly at international level.

How to watch live — broadcast list

Broadcasters vary by country; national public channels typically show the match free where rights allow. Below is a concise guide to where the fixture will be shown live.

• Italy: RAI 1 and the RAI Play streaming service (free within Italy).
• France: TF1 and the TF1+ platform (free national coverage).
• United States: FS1 carries the match — available via major live-TV platforms such as Sling, YouTube TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream.
• United Kingdom: Prime Video is scheduled to show the game as a pay-per-view event.
• Canada: DAZN holds rights; a DAZN subscription or package is required.
• Australia: beIN Sports (via beIN Sports Connect) broadcasts the match; local start time is early Friday morning.

Watching from abroad: what to know about geo-restrictions

If you are travelling or living outside the country that holds the free domestic broadcast, national streaming services commonly restrict access by location. A virtual private network (VPN) can allow a device to appear as if it is connecting from that country, which may let you view outputs you legally subscribe to at home.

Use this option only in accordance with the terms of service of the broadcaster. Choose reputable providers, evaluate privacy policies and trial or refund options before subscribing.

Key match details and quick facts

• Kick-off: 7:45pm GMT / 2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT on Thursday, 12 November (6:45am AEDT on Friday, 13 November).
• Venue: San Siro, Milan.
• Head-to-head: The nations have met 40 times; France lead the overall record while recent Nations League meeting finished 1-1.

Q+A

What time does the match start?

Kick-off is 7:45pm GMT on Thursday, 12 November (2:45pm ET, 11:45am PT). Viewers in Australia should note the early morning local start on Friday.

Can I stream the match for free?

Yes — where the national public broadcaster is showing the game, it will be free to watch inside that country via their linear channel or official stream (for example RAI Play in Italy and TF1+ in France). Access from abroad will depend on each service’s location rules.

Why this game matters now?

Beyond national pride, the result affects Nations League standings and momentum going into November fixtures. A win gives the victor breathing room in qualification calculations and can shape squad selection and confidence ahead of more challenging opponents.

Final note

Expect a lively tactical battle: Italy’s restored structure versus France’s attacking depth. For neutral viewers, the match offers an early look at emerging talents and how both coaches are shaping squads for the next major tournaments.