Italy dominates in Milan, while Belgium must win on Sunday

Italy beat France 3-1 in Milan, while Belgium must win on Sunday to qualify for the Nations League quarter‑finals.

The group tightens

The Squadra Azzurra beat France 3-1 on the Milanese turf. This win puts the Italians at the top of the group with ten points, level with the French.

Belgium sits behind with nine points. They have no margin for error.

Despite their 1-2 win in Turkey, the Red Devils will have to beat Italy on Sunday. The task looks difficult against a fit Italian side.

Michael Olise opened the scoring in the tenth minute. Francesco Pio Esposito equalised sixteen minutes later.

Esposito rescues Italy with equaliser against France in Nations League

The evening had started well for the Blues. At halftime, the score was one‑one.

Sebastiano Esposito missed his penalty at the end of normal time. Davide Frattesi gave the Italians the lead in the sixty‑third minute. Italy then scored the third goal from the spot, taken by Esposito, to seal the win.

It is Zinedine Zidane's first defeat as France manager. The Italians thus maintain their lead in the group.

Italy deprived of Zaniolo for its last two Nations League matches

For the Red Devils, a draw will not be enough; they must topple Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium to keep the adventure alive. Mark van Bommel's men know what they have to do.