Italy edges France 3-1 in Nations League match

France and Italy Engage in Thrilling Match at San Siro

In a highly competitive match, France took an early lead through Michael Olise’s goal, but Italy responded with two goals from Pio Esposito to secure a 3-1 victory. The win marked Italy’s first defeat of Zinedine Zidane as France’s head coach and propelled them to the top of Group A1 in the Nations League.

The match began with a strong start from France, who were without key players Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele due to injury. However, it was Italy who struck first, with Esposito scoring in the 26th minute after a cross from Nicolo Cambiaghi. The goal was followed by another from Esposito, who converted a penalty kick, and then Davide Frattesi’s shot from a Federico Dimarco cross.

France responded with several close chances, but Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves to deny them. The match continued in an end-to-end fashion, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. In the second half, Italy took advantage of a penalty kick when Sebastiano Esposito’s attempt was missed, and Frattesi scored again just minutes later.

The result sent Italy top of Group A1 on 10 points, level with France but above them on head-to-head record. Belgium are third on nine points after inflicting a fifth straight defeat on rock-bottom Turkiye. The win marked a strong start to Roberto Mancini’s second spell as Italy coach and notched their first home win over France since 1962.

In other Nations League news, England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley to qualify for the last eight, with captain Harry Kane scoring his record 126th goal from the penalty spot.

Source: Al Jazeera