Friday's Nations League predictions including France vs. Italy

Kazakhstan vs. Norway (Friday, 3.00pm)

Kazakhstan play their first match in League B of the UEFA Nations League when they welcome Norway to Almaty on Friday.

The visitors arrive fresh at the start of a new tournament cycle hoping that the Nations League could provide a route to end their two-and-a-half-decade wait for an appearance at a major finals.

We say: Kazakhstan 1-2 Norway

Kazakhstan's recent rapid improvements have seen them rise to the second tier in the Nations League just two years after almost slipping into the fourth, so they cannot be underestimated in a close section.

Facing a dangerous side who gave many established nations a scare in Euro 2024 qualifying and being so far away from home means Norway cannot take this game lightly, but with the attacking quality at their disposal, Solbakken's side have the slight edge.

Lithuania vs. Cyprus (Friday, 5.00pm)

Cyprus travel to Kaunas to face Lithuania on matchday one of the new UEFA Nations League campaign on Friday.

Manager Temuri Ketsbaia is under increasing pressure in the away dugout, while Lithuania enter the section on the back of a respectable past 12 months.

We say: Lithuania 1-1 Cyprus

Lithuania had their struggles in the last Nations League campaign, but made up for it with some impressive results in Euro 2024 qualification, and should come into this break slightly rejuvenated after recent wins over Gibraltar, and only a narrow defeat in the Baltic Cup.

Cyprus won their last international fixture, but that was to be expected against San Marino, and if manager Ketsbaia fails to end their five-year wait for an away competitive win, the pressure on him will mount.

Belgium vs. Israel (Friday, 7.45pm)

Belgium begin their latest quest for some elusive silverware on Friday, as they meet Israel in the first fixture of a new UEFA Nations League campaign.

Playing in Hungary due to security concerns, the Red Devils will try to make a winning start, as Italy and France are their other opponents in League A Group 2.

We say: Belgium 2-0 Israel

Without home support, Belgium should go through the motions and secure maximum points, despite lacking their all-time top scorer and world-class goalkeeper: outside of major tournaments, the Red Devils tend to be ruthlessly efficient.

France vs. Italy (Friday, 7.45pm)

Two giants of international football collide on Friday night, as France and Italy kick off their new UEFA Nations League campaigns at Parc des Princes.

While the Azzurri made a dismal defence of their European title during the summer, Les Bleus exited to eventual Euro 2024 winners Spain in the semi-finals; now, the teams convene in Paris.

We say: France 2-0 Italy

While France have been hit by injuries, their well of talent is deep, whereas Italy are rebuilding from a lower base and remain short of quality in key areas.

As a result, the hosts should take maximum points on the opening matchday, leaving the Azzurri with work to do in their upcoming Group 2 contests.

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Slovenia vs. Austria (Friday, 7.45pm)

Slovenia will welcome Austria to Stozice Stadium on Friday evening, with the two teams locking horns in Group 3 of League B in the UEFA Nations League.

Both sides reached the last-16 stage of Euro 2024, with Slovenia losing on penalties to Portugal in the first knockout round, while Austria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Turkey.

We say: Slovenia 1-1 Austria

Both teams will believe that they can hurt the other in the final third of the field on Friday, and it is shaping up to be a very interesting game. We are struggling to separate them on this occasion, though, and have therefore had to settle on a low-scoring draw.

Iceland vs. Montenegro (Friday, 7.45pm)

Iceland will be aiming to start their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory when they welcome Montenegro in Group 4 of League B on Friday night.

The hosts finished second in Group 2 of League B last time out, while Montenegro were third in Group 3 of the same division in their last Nations League campaign, so neither team were promoted nor relegated.

We say: Iceland 1-0 Montenegro

We are not expecting a goal fest on Friday evening, and it would not be a shock to see the points shared in this contest. Iceland will have home advantage, though, and we are backing Hareide's side to navigate their way to a narrow success here.

Wales vs. Turkey (Friday, 7.45pm)

Beginning the Craig Bellamy era at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales will host Turkey in their first UEFA Nations League fixture of the season on Friday evening.

While Wales were relegated from League A last time around, their visitors were promoted from the third tier before reaching the last eight at Euro 2024.

We say: Wales 1-2 Turkey

For his first match in charge, Craig Bellamy could not come up against much tougher opponents at League B level, and his time as Wales boss may start with a loss: Turkey's attack is fearsome, while the Dragons have lost some of their roar.

Kosovo vs. Romania (Friday, 7.45pm)

Kosovo welcome Romania to Pristina on Friday in one of the standout fixtures in League C of the UEFA Nations League this week.

UEFA's youngest nation continue to strive for a shot at a major tournament while Romania come in fresh off the back of reaching the knockout stages at Euro 2024.

We say: Kosovo 0-0 Romania

With new eras for both nations under managers taking charge of their first competitive matches, this is a tough one to call, especially given Kosovo's strong home form.

These two played out a goalless draw here last year, and another could be likely considering just one of Kosovo's last eight games, and only four of Romania's previous 13, have seen both teams score.