France lost 3-1 to Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night, the first loss of Zinédine Zidane’s managerial tenure.
Playing without Kylian Mbappé, the visitors started brightly when Michael Olise capitalized on a misplaced clearance by Gianluigi Donnarumma to put the visitors ahead in the 10th minute, as reported by RTL Info.
Despite the early setback, the hosts leveled before the break. Francesco Esposito equalized in the 26th minute by sliding a shot through the legs of goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to RTBF.
“Francesco Esposito rétablit la parité en glissant le cuir entre les jambes de Maignan,” RTBF reported of the equalizer.
🤔 Cette Équipe de France manque-t-elle d'expérience ? C'est en tout cas l'hypothèse d'Olivier Dacourt après la défaite des Bleus face à l'Italie ! On débriefe le match, maintenant sur CANAL+ Foot 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/GusO7WEVrJ
Standings Shift Group A1
The result leaves both powerhouse nations level on 10 points in Group A1 with one match remaining. Italy’s victory shakes up the pool and increases pressure on Belgium, sitting closely behind with nine points.
Davide Frattesi put the Azzurri ahead in the 63rd minute by finishing a cutback cross. Esposito then sealed the result from the penalty spot in the 75th minute after Dayot Upamecano committed a foul inside the box.
Belgium plays a decisive match on Sunday. The Red Devils must defeat Italy to secure a top-two finish in the group, while a draw will be enough for Luciano Spalletti’s side to advance.
Defensive Frailties Exposed
French defensive frailties drew heavy scrutiny following the reversal in Turin. L’Équipe highlighted the struggles of defenders Malo Gusto and Upamecano, noting that both players endured a difficult evening against the Italian attack.
Zidane’s tactical approach faced immediate scrutiny after his side lost control following the opening goal.
Italy controls its own destiny ahead of Sunday’s decisive encounter against Belgium.
Related reading
- HSV Defender Mario Vuskovic Set for Emotional Comeback After Four-Year Doping Ban
- Toronto Blue Jays Meet With Representatives for Jazz Chisholm Jr.
- World Cup triumph would only be half the story for England’s wheelchair rugby league squad (newsarchyuk.com)
- Dupont: France Must Break “Spiral” of Defeats vs. South Africa (archyde.com)
