Zidane's debut sparks France win while Belgium silence Italy in Rome
France and Belgium both opened Group 1 of the UEFA Nations League (Liga) with victories on Friday, as Zinedine Zidane’s first match in charge saw France beat Turkey 1‑0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappé strike, while Belgium travelled to Rome (Roma) and defeated Italy 2‑0.
France’s debut under Zidane
Despite playing in Turkey, the French side looked as comfortable as at home in Paris, with a fluid midfield of Alexandre Olise, Ibrahima Koné and Adrien Rabiot creating early chances. France kept the ball moving well throughout the first half, creating several opportunities. The first real opportunity arrived only after the interval, when the team began to press more aggressively.
Olise slipped a low pass to Kylian Mbappé on the left, and the striker opened the scoring nine minutes into the second half. He then suffered left‑knee pain and was replaced by Moussa Doué. The Turkish side improved in the final stage, led by Arda Güler, but could not find the equaliser. A Yuksek header from a corner was denied by a spectacular save from Alban Maignan, preserving the lead.
Zidane at the helm of France, Mbappé captain against Turkey
Belgium extend Italian crisis in Rome
In Rome’s Olympic Stadium, Belgium imposed their experience on an Italy side still haunted by a three‑World‑Cup absence, needing only twenty minutes to open the scoring through a well‑worked move finished by Jeremy Godts. The early lead highlighted the ongoing crisis that has kept Italy out of the last three tournaments.
Italy pressed after the break, forcing goalkeeper Koen Lammens into two early saves, yet Belgian composure produced a second goal from a swift attack finished by Roméo Lukébakio at the twenty‑fourth minute. Calafiori struck at the thirty‑eighth minute, only to see his effort hit the post, and the match ended amid a chorus of boos from the home crowd.
Zidane steps in as France boss while neighbours appoint Xavi and Klopp
Both teams meet again on Monday, with Belgium hosting France and Italy travelling to Turkey for the second round of Group 1 (Grupo 1).