Italy end Zidane’s perfect start as France coach with 1-1 draw

Italy ended Zinedine Zidane’s winning start as France manager with a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Nations League match at the Stade de France on Friday. The result kept France top of Group A1 after three matches, while Italy moved to four points. France controlled much of the early possession but found it difficult to create clear openings.

Italy’s Moise Kean had the first major chance, shooting directly at France goalkeeper Mike Maignan from inside the six-yard box. Michael Olise later came close for the hosts when a deflected cross struck the crossbar. France increased the pressure after half-time.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made successive saves from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, then denied another curling effort from Olise. France finally took the lead in the 55th minute. Rayan Cherki played a free-kick short to Olise, who curled the ball over the wall and in off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Donnarumma unable to stop it.

Italy levelled in the 68th minute after France made a mistake while attempting to play out from defence. Lucas Da Cunha failed to control a pass, allowing Alessandro Bastoni to recover possession high up the pitch. The Inter Milan defender advanced before beating Maignan.

Donnarumma continued to protect Italy’s goal, saving from Adrien Rabiot and making a late stop to deny Eduardo Camavinga. France’s task became more difficult when Dayot Upamecano was sent off after receiving a second yellow card with five minutes of normal time remaining, but Italy could not find a winning goal. The match had added significance for Zidane because his first home game as France coach was against the same nation he faced in his final international appearance, the 2006 World Cup final.

France have seven points, one ahead of Belgium, who beat Türkiye 3-0 in the other group match. Italy are fourth with four points.