Michael Olise put France ahead in the tenth minute at San Siro before a defensive collapse handed Italy a 3-1 victory on Thursday marking the first defeat of Didier Zidane’s tenure as manager.
Playing under heavy rain on a severely damaged pitch, the French backline struggled throughout the fifth matchday of UEFA Nations League Group A, RFI reported. Pio Esposito scored twice in the 26th and 75th minutes, while Davide Frattesi added a 62nd-minute goal to secure the win for the hosts.
Gianluigi Donnarumma gifted France the opening goal with a poor clearance, allowing Olise to convert. However, mistakes from right-back Malo Gusto and central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Jérémy Jacquet dismantled the French advantage.
Gusto endured a difficult evening, conceding a penalty in the 60th minute that Sebastiano Esposito missed.
The result serves as a warning for Zidane following a first half where France largely controlled the game and created numerous chances. Bradley Barcola hit the post in the 35th minute from an Olise pass, and Rayan Cherki struck the woodwork in the second half.
Without injured Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Olise took on the role of technical leader in the first half before fading after the break. Italy now sits level with France atop Group 1 standings.
France returns home to face Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15, 2026, requiring a draw to secure qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals scheduled for March 2027.
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