Italy secures a point in Nations League duel against France

Italy earned a point in the Nations League duel against France. Zinedine Zidane remained winless in his home debut as the French head coach. The match took place on Friday at the Stade de France in Saint‑Denis and ended after an intense first half at 1‑1. The report comes from Fabio Sasso.

Match Progress and Key Actions

In the opening minutes Moise Kean failed from five metres against goalkeeper Mike Maignan, while Michael Olise hit the crossbar with a free‑kick attempt. On the French side, Jeremy Jacquet, in a desperate effort, deflected a shot from Davide Frattesi towards the corner.

The first goal came in the 55th minute, when Olise sent the ball over the wall after a free‑kick from Rayan Cherki and tucked it under the crossbar. Alessandro Bastoni equalised only twelve minutes later, in the 68th, from close range, leaving the match level.

Table Position and Consequences

With seven points the “Equipe Tricolore” now top Group A1, while Belgium, after a 3‑0 home win over Turkey, sits ten points behind. Italy is in third place with four points, and the Turks have yet to earn a point.

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France’s line‑up was without the injured star striker Kylian Mbappé, with Ousmane Dembele taking the captain’s armband. Gianluigi Donnarumma made several saves in the first half, including one against a finishing attempt by Desire Doue. It was the first time the successor of Didier Deschamps left his home debut without a win.

In the second half Italy responded when Donnarumma again denied two shots from Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga. The Italian defence, led by Bastoni, capitalised on a French error to score the equaliser.

Near the end Dayot Upamecano, after repeated fouls – the latest on Kean – saw the yellow‑red card and had to leave the field, which however had no impact on the final result.

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On the same matchday Belgium secured the win in Liège, thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s brace in the 10th and 60th minutes and a late goal from Romelu Lukaku in the 76th.