Nations League Zidane steers France past Turkey as Italy stumble

Zinedine Zidane's first match in charge of the French squad ended in a 1-0 victory for Les Bleus over Turkey, while Italy suffered a 2-0 loss to Belgium in the same Nations League round.

France edge Turkey in opening night

France dominated possession for much of the first half, and a tactical shift that pulled Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe into more central positions produced an almost instant payoff when Rayan Cherki collected a loose ball only to be denied by an interception from Merih Demiral.

Turkey pressed relentlessly, yet Olise’s goal‑bound effort was palmed away by Ugurcan Cakir and Adrien Rabiot’s subsequent strike sailed over the bar, allowing the French side to hold the half‑time whistle.

In the 54th minute Mbappe seized the advantage, firing into the near‑post to claim his 67th international goal; he appeared to injure himself in the process and was replaced by Desire Doue, who quickly forced a sharp save from Cakir.

Cakir later left the field after a handball outside his area, reducing Turkey's options as the match progressed.

Other Nations League fixtures deliver mixed fortunes

Italy were beaten 2-0 by Belgium in Roberto Mancini’s first game back as manager, a defeat that follows three successive World Cup qualification failures; Mika Godts opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Dodi Lukebakio added a second midway through the second half.

Sweden overcame Romania 2-1 with goals from Liverpool striker Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Montenegro edged Cyprus 2-1 thanks to a Nikola Krstovic penalty and a Milutin Osmajic strike that nullified Marcus Edwards’ effort, while Armenia secured a 2-0 win over Latvia.

Ukraine claimed a 1-0 victory against Hungary after Danylo Sikan scored in the 42nd minute, but were reduced to ten men in stoppage time when Oleksandr Nazarenko was sent off.

In Belfast, Pierce Charles saved Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s penalty before his brother Shea netted a stoppage‑time winner as Northern Ireland beat Georgia 1-0.