Italy Holds France to 1-1 Draw in Zinedine Zidane's Home Debut

Michael Olise's 55th-minute strike was cancelled out by Alessandro Bastoni as Italy secured a Nations League draw at the Stade de France.

Italy held France to a 1-1 draw at the Stade de France on Friday, spoiling Zinedine Zidane's first home game as head coach. Michael Olise opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a long-range shot that struck the underside of the crossbar. Italy equalized 13 minutes later when Alessandro Bastoni intercepted a Lucas Da Cunha giveaway and converted a low shot inside the right post.

France defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off late in the match after receiving a second yellow card. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma preserved the draw with several key interventions, including a double save against Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, a low stop on Adrien Rabiot, and a stoppage-time save to deny Eduardo Camavinga. Earlier in the match, Italy's Moise Kean missed a close-range opportunity by shooting directly at Mike Maignan.

Zidane, who replaced Didier Deschamps as coach following the World Cup, had won his first two Nations League matches 1-0 against Türkiye and Belgium. Following this result, France remains at the top of their Nations League group, holding a one-point lead over Belgium and a three-point lead over Italy. The French national team will next host Belgium on Monday, while Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad is scheduled to face Türkiye.