New Italy boss Roberto Mancini will be looking make a winning statement when his side take on France in a friendly match at the Allianz Riviera on Friday.
The former Zenit St Petersburg manager oversaw a 2-1 victory over a Saudi Arabia in his first match at the helm, although faces a far greater test in Nice.
Latest Odds
Having lost the last two encounters against this opposition, his side are 17/4 (5.25) outsiders with dabblebet to record a big win here.
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Les Bleus saw of the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Paris on Monday, and are available at 8/13 (1.62) to continue their World Cup preparations with another victory in this one.
Five of the previous nine meetings between these teams have resulted in draws after 90 minutes, and there are odds of 13/5 (3.60) available on them playing out yet another stalemate.
Team News
Raphael Varane has joined up with the squad after taking part in Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Liverpool last weekend, although is unlikely to feature in this clash.
Nice striker Mario Balotelli is expected to start at his home club ground, having found the net against Saudi Arabia in his first appearance for the national team in four years.
Reinvigorated Azzurri
Having failed to score over two legs in their disastrous World Cup play-off defeat against Sweden, the Azzurri should be delighted to have Balotelli back and firing after a long spell in the international wilderness.
The 27-year-old's record of 14 goals in 34 caps is superior to anyone else in the squad, although Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Insigne should also feel more confident of replicating their excellent club form without Gian Piero Ventura in command.
Predictions
With Didier Deschamp’s team having scored in each of their last seven matches but kept just one clean sheet in the most recent four, odds of 21/20 (2.05) offer solid value on a rejuvenated Italy team joining them on the scoresheet in an entertaining clash.
Both teams to score at 21/20 (2.05) for a 2pt stake with dabblebet
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