Italy come from behind to beat France 3–1 and top Nations League group
Italy recovered from an early setback to defeat France 3–1 at San Siro and move to the top of Nations League Group A1. France made the sharper start in heavy rain, with Desire Doue, Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Da Cunha all threatening before Michael Olise opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Gianluigi Donnarumma passed directly to Olise, who avoided a defender and scored his fifth goal in five Nations League matches, a tally surpassed only by Harry Kane’s seven.
Italy equalised in the 26th minute when Nicolo Cambiaghi reached the byline and supplied Francesco Pio Esposito, whose deft finish brought the home crowd into the match. France came close to restoring their lead before half-time, but Bradley Barcola’s curling effort struck the post. After the interval, Rayan Cherki was also denied by the woodwork when Donnarumma tipped his shot onto the post.
Italy took control after a dramatic spell involving two penalties. Cambiaghi won the first after being tripped by Malo Gusto, but Sebastiano Esposito sent his spot kick wide. Three minutes later, Davide Frattesi put Italy ahead by driving in Federico Dimarco’s cross. Substitute Antonio Vergara then earned another penalty after a foul by Dayot Upamecano, and Francesco Pio Esposito converted to complete his double.
The victory gave Italy 10 points, level with France but ahead on head-to-head record. Belgium are third on nine points after beating Turkiye, while Italy’s unbeaten run reached four matches. The result was also Italy’s first home win over France since 1962 and handed Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France coach.
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