A New Era Begins in France! Expert Picks for Today’s Nations League Slate

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Last Update: Fri Sep 25, 2026, 10:29 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

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Day one of the Nations League is officially in the books!

We started a perfect 2-0 on the picks and couldn't have asked for a better start to international play.

Now, we turn our attention to another loaded slate of matches today.

I think this group is a little trickier than yesterday's card. However, there are two matches that stand out, and I'm attacking the totals in both.

Let's get right into the plays!

Head over to our Soccer Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

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Featured Plays

Turkey vs. France

The Zinedine Zidane era officially begins today!

This will be Zidane's first match managing the French national team. Naturally, there will be some questions as he begins implementing his system with this incredibly talented squad.

If there's one person who can get France playing with purpose and passion, though, it's Zizou.

I know there are mixed opinions about Zidane as a manager. However, I watched him closely at Real Madrid, and all he did was win.

He also managed a locker room filled with some of the biggest stars in world football.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the centerpiece, but that Madrid squad had elite talent everywhere. Still, Zidane never seemed to have an issue managing personalities or keeping everyone focused.

Now, he'll have to do the same with Kylian Mbappe and company.

From a betting perspective, I'm expecting some growing pains in this first match.

There could be moments where France make a mistake defensively or leave a player unmarked. After all, learning a new manager's system takes time, especially during a short international window.

That's where Turkey need to take advantage.

The hosts have enough attacking quality to punish France if those mistakes happen. Additionally, playing at home should give Turkey another boost in what should be an incredible atmosphere.

I believe they're more than capable of contributing at least one goal to this total.

However, there's another scenario that makes me like the over even more.

France could simply come out flying under Zidane.

This squad has ridiculous attacking talent, and a managerial change could bring some fresh energy. If everything clicks immediately, France have the ability to put up a big number themselves.

Still, I don't need them to do all the work.

Turkey have enough quality to contribute, while France should create plenty of chances regardless of the new system.

Ultimately, I think the first goal could completely change this match.

Once it arrives, I expect things to open up quickly.

Give me goals in Zidane's France debut.

Play: Turkey vs. France Over 3.25 Goals (-120)

Italy vs. Belgium

Can Moise Kean and Italy get back to the World Cup?

We have another matchup featuring new managers on both sidelines.

Italy and Belgium each begin a new chapter today. Therefore, we should see some new tactics, formations, and ideas from both sides.

When I looked through these squads, a few things immediately pushed me toward the over.

First, Italy enter this international window dealing with several midfield injuries.

They'll be without some important pieces in the middle of the pitch. As a result, Belgium should have more opportunities to control possession and find space in transition.

On the other side, Belgium have a major change in goal.

Thibaut Courtois wasn't called up for this international window. Therefore, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens will likely get the start.

I actually think Lammens is a very good keeper.

However, he's not Courtois, and that's still a downgrade in my eyes. More importantly, it gives this Italian attack a better opportunity to capitalize on the chances it creates.

There's also plenty of motivation surrounding Italy right now.

The Italians desperately need to get themselves back to the World Cup in four years. After years of disappointment, this international cycle needs to be different.

I expect them to treat this match like a clean slate.

They have a new manager, a fresh opportunity, and the advantage of playing at home. Because of that, I expect Italy to come out aggressively and put Belgium under pressure.

Belgium's defense is another reason I like this matchup.

In my opinion, they're below average at the back and can be exposed when matches become stretched.

Italy should have opportunities to take advantage.

However, Belgium still have enough attacking quality to cause problems on the other end, especially with Italy missing pieces in midfield.

That combination makes me think this match opens up once the first goal arrives.

There's also some recent history supporting a higher-scoring matchup.

The last two meetings between these countries in Italy both finished with at least three goals.

Ultimately, I expect the hosts to start quickly, but I don't trust either defense enough to back a low-scoring match.

At plus money, I'm willing to take my chances with goals.

Play: Italy vs. Belgium Over 2.75 Goals (+100)

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BettingThePitch

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