Italy Beat France 3-1 to Hand Zidane First Defeat as Coach
Pio Esposito scores twice and Davide Frattesi completes comeback as Italy move top of Nations League Group A1
Italy celebrate their 3-1 Nations League victory over France at San Siro.
Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, handing Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France coach.
Michael Olise gave France an early lead after a costly mistake by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Francesco Pio Esposito equalised before half-time.
Davide Frattesi then put Italy ahead in the second half. Pio Esposito converted a late penalty to complete his brace and secure the victory.
The result moved Italy to the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1. Both Italy and France have 10 points, but Italy hold the advantage on head-to-head record. Belgium sit third with nine points.
Olise Gives France an Early Lead
France made a positive start and took the lead in the 10th minute.
Donnarumma made a costly error while playing the ball out from the back. Olise seized possession, beat the Italian defence and fired into the net.
Italy responded through Pio Esposito in the 26th minute. Nicolò Cambiaghi delivered the ball into the penalty area, allowing the Inter Milan striker to finish from close range.
The hosts continued to press and created further opportunities. However, the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
Frattesi Puts Italy Ahead After Penalty Miss
Italy missed an opportunity to take the lead in the second half when Sebastiano Esposito sent a penalty wide in the 60th minute.
Nevertheless, the hosts quickly recovered. Federico Dimarco delivered a cross after coming on as a substitute, and Frattesi struck a powerful finish to make it 2-1 in the 63rd minute.
Italy earned another penalty in the 75th minute after substitute Antonio Vergara was fouled inside the box.
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This time, Pio Esposito stepped forward and converted confidently. His second goal gave Italy a two-goal cushion and completed the 3-1 victory.
Esposito Reaches Nine International Goals
The brace continued Pio Esposito’s impressive start to international football. The 21-year-old Inter Milan striker has now scored nine goals in his first 14 appearances for Italy, according to the supplied report.
The victory also marked Italy’s first home win over France since 1962. It ended a long wait for the Azzurri against their European rivals on home soil.
Zidane Suffers First Defeat as France Coach
The defeat ended Zidane’s unbeaten start since taking charge of France following the World Cup. He had recorded three victories and one draw before Thursday’s match.
Italy, meanwhile, moved ahead of France in Group A1 on head-to-head record. Belgium remained third after beating Türkiye 2-1.
The final group matches are scheduled for Sunday, November 15. Belgium will host Italy in Brussels, while France will welcome Türkiye.
The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarter-finals. Italy need at least a draw against Belgium to secure qualification and finish top of the group. France can also qualify with a draw against Türkiye.
