Italy fight back to hand Zidane first defeat as France coach

Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, handing Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France head coach and moving Roberto Mancini’s side to the top of their Nations League group.

According to France 24⁠, Michael Olise gave France an early advantage after capitalising on a mistake by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 10th minute.

However, Francesco Pio Esposito restored parity in the 26th minute, finishing Nicolo Cambiaghi’s cutback to bring Italy back into the contest. Davide Frattesi completed the turnaround three minutes after the hour mark, drilling home a Federico Dimarco cross to put the hosts ahead.

Italy then sealed victory when Esposito converted a penalty after Antonio Vergara was brought down by Dayot Upamecano. Sebastiano Esposito had earlier missed a penalty for Italy, while France struck the woodwork twice through Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.

The result lifted Italy to 10 points, level with France but ahead on head-to-head record, with Belgium third on nine points.