Italy beat France 3-1 to take top spot in Nations League group
Italy recovered from an early Michael Olise goal to beat France 3-1 at San Siro and move above them in Group A1.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Italy beat France 3-1 at San Siro on November 12, recovering from an early deficit to take first place in Nations League Group A1. Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice and Davide Frattesi added the other goal after Michael Olise had put France ahead, according to Al Jazeera’s report from AFP and Reuters.
The result left Italy and France level on 10 points, with Italy placed first on their head-to-head record. Belgium were third with nine points.
How did Italy beat France 3-1 in the Nations League?
France took the lead in the 10th minute when Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma misplaced a pass and Olise intercepted, moved past a defender and scored. Italy drew level in the 26th minute: Nicolo Cambiaghi reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Pio Esposito to finish.
France had chances to regain the lead before the interval. Bradley Barcola hit the post, while Football Italia, in a report republished by Yahoo Sports, also said Donnarumma later diverted a Rayan Cherki effort onto the upright.
Italy missed an opportunity to go ahead around the hour mark. Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto for a penalty, but Sebastiano Esposito sent his spot kick wide.
Frattesi put Italy in front three minutes later, finishing Federico Dimarco’s cross after the wing-back had come on as a substitute. Italy then won another penalty when substitute Antonio Vergara was fouled by Dayot Upamecano, and Pio Esposito converted to secure the 3-1 result.
Who scored for Italy and France?
- France: Michael Olise.
- Italy: Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice, and Davide Frattesi scored once.
France were without Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele because of injuries, Al Jazeera reported. The defeat was reported as Zinedine Zidane’s first as France coach and Italy’s first home victory over France since 1962.
In the final round of Group A1 matches, Belgium are due to host Italy and France are due to play Turkiye, according to the report.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.