Mancini's Italy can ask questions of World Cup-bound France

International friendlies
From midday Friday

France host Italy in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match and the Azzurri can nullify the attacking threat of Didier Deschamps' side in what could be a low-scoring affair.

Italy beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Roberto Mancini’s first game as head coach on Monday and they will be keen to restore their reputation after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.

Les Bleus were comfortable 2-0 winners over Ireland on Monday but demonstrated their vulnerability during World Cup qualification when drawing blanks against Belarus and Luxembourg.

They were among the lowest-scoring group winners in qualifying and Deschamps will want to find the best combination of players from an exceptionally talented squad as they prepare for a tricky group containing Denmark, Peru and Australia.

Egypt are desperate to have key man Mohamed Salah available for the World Cup and they could struggle without him when they meet Colombia in Italy.

The South American side beat France in March and registered more goals than Argentina in qualifying.

Recommendations
Under 2.5 goals in France v Italy
2pts 3-4 bet365
Colombia
3pts 4-7 Betfred, BoyleSports

Bet on these games at Soccerbase.com

World Cup quizzes

Groups A & B

Groups C & D

Groups E & F

Groups G & H

Which World Cup legend are you?

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport