Italy hand Zidane first defeat as France manager with comeback win

Italy produced an impressive comeback to beat France in the Nations League.The result also marked Zinedine Zidane's first defeat as France manager.

France strike first after Donnarumma error

France made the brighter start, with former Paris Saint-Germain teammates Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue combining to create an early opportunity. Doue sent his effort into the side netting before Adrien Rabiot forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a save with a header.

However, the Italy goalkeeper gifted France the opening goal when he gave possession away to Michael Olise. The forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the corner to put Les Bleus ahead.

Donnarumma subsequently denied Barcola, while Italy struggled to establish control. The hosts eventually found their response through Pio Esposito, who converted Italy's first shot on target after a neat move involving Nicolo Cambiaghi.

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Sebastiano Esposito then tested Mike Maignan, but France came close to restoring their lead before half-time when Barcola's curling effort struck the post.

Esposito and Frattesi complete Italy comeback

Donnarumma produced an excellent save to deny Rayan Cherki early in the second half after another Italian giveaway. The game opened up further when Malo Gusto brought down Cambiaghi inside the penalty area.

Sebastiano Esposito stepped up but blasted his penalty over the crossbar, missing the chance to put Italy ahead.

The Azzurri continued to press, and their persistence paid off when substitute Federico Dimarco delivered a cross for Frattesi to score the go-ahead goal.

France's hopes of a comeback suffered another blow after Dayot Upamecano fouled Antonio Vergara in the box. Pio Esposito converted the resulting penalty, completing his brace and securing Italy's 3-1 victory.

The result moves Italy closer to a third Nations League Finals appearance in their last four campaigns. France, meanwhile, must wait for their record-equalling 13th win of the calendar year, with their fate in the competition now out of their hands.

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