Esposito rescues Italy with equaliser against France in Nations League

LIVE report: While the Red Devils watched, an unexpected twist came at 27 minutes in Milan: Francesco Pio Esposito found the equaliser for Italy against France in the UEFA Nations League, after Michael Olise put the French ahead in the 11th minute.

First half

Olise opened the scoring in the eleventh minute with a sharp shot. With that goal France led 0‑1.

Four minutes later Jeremy Jacquet received a Yellow for a foul. The card was shown in the fourteenth minute.

Esposito responded in the 27th minute with a header after a corner, bringing the score to one‑one. This was the equaliser for Italy.

Ten minutes later Francesco Pio Esposito himself received a Yellow for a push. The card was awarded in the fortieth minute.

Italy dominates in Milan, while Belgium must win on Sunday

Implications and French absence

The match, played on the fifth matchday of the UEFA Nations League, is of great importance for the Red Devils. They are hoping for a point from France to keep their top‑two chances alive.

France must at least take a point to be sure of the quarter‑finals. A win would also help Belgium overtake Italy for second place.

Zidane confirmed that Kylian Mbappé, who is suffering from hamstrings, will not play. He said: “He will not feature tomorrow, because he still felt slight pain and we are taking no risk.”

L’Équipe reported that Mbappé did not attend training on Wednesday. His fitness for the match therefore remains uncertain.

Italy deprived of Zaniolo for its last two Nations League matches

Mbappé’s absence has sparked the discussion about his relationship with the new national coach. Team‑mate Ousmane Dembélé also remains out of the squad due to an injury.

With the score at one‑one, the path to the crucial top‑two for Belgium remains unclear. The outcome of the next match in Milan will decide the Nations League final.