Italy fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against France in the Nations League on Friday, spoiling Zinedine Zidane’s first home game as Les Bleus head coach at the Stade de France.
France appeared on course for victory after Michael Olise opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a superb free-kick that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
However, Italy responded 13 minutes later when Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni capitalised on a defensive error to level the game.
Bastoni intercepted a poor pass from Lucas da Cunha as France attempted to play out from a goal kick before advancing into the penalty area and firing a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The result ended France’s perfect start under Zidane, who had guided the team to 1-0 victories over Belgium and Türkiye in his opening two matches in charge.
France were without captain Kylian Mbappe, who missed the encounter through an ankle injury, while Italy created the better opportunities during a difficult first half.
Moise Kean saw an early effort kept out by Maignan, while a subsequent goal from the striker was ruled out for offside.
France improved after the break, with Gianluigi Donnarumma producing a double save to deny Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembele before Olise put the hosts ahead.
Italy pushed for an equaliser and eventually got their reward through Bastoni, while Donnarumma made further saves to deny Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga.
Kean also struck the crossbar with a header before France defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off after receiving a second yellow card late in the match.
