France held by Italy in Zidane’s homecoming after Olise stunner

What the report says

France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in a UEFA Nations League match at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday, in Zinedine Zidane’s first home game as France coach. The result prevented France from making it three wins from three under Zidane, though they remained top of Group A1 after the round of matches.

Al Jazeera reported that Michael Olise put France ahead early in the second half with a free-kick that struck the crossbar and went in, adding to the Bayern Munich midfielder’s recent run of form for his country. Italy responded midway through the half when defender Alessandro Bastoni scored to level the match. France were also reduced to 10 men late on after Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card.

The game carried added significance because Zidane was facing Italy again at the same venue where he had last played for France in 2006, shortly before his retirement from international football. The article also noted France were without captain Kylian Mbappe, who had returned to his club after a knee injury, while Italy, under Roberto Mancini’s second spell as coach, benefited from several key saves by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The draw left France and Belgium leading the group picture, while Italy moved on to their next Nations League fixture against Turkiye. The match was presented as an early test of Zidane’s efforts to shape France ahead of future major tournaments.