France 1-1 Italy: Zidane’s 10 men endure a frustrating homecoming as the Azzurri take the point G Trends

European Nations League,
League A – 3

Stade de France

Jesus Gil Manzano

Michael Olise 55′

Alessandro Bastoni 68′

France failed to win under Zinedine Zidane for the first time, drawing 1-1 European Nations League Draw with Italy at Stade de France.

Zidane’s men picked up the most points in their matches against Turkey and Belgium, but were unconvincing for long periods in their first home match, which was their first match at the national stadium since March last year.

However, they looked set to take all three points after Michael Olise’s stunning free-kick gave France the lead 10 minutes into the second half.

However, Italy played with a confidence they have often lacked in recent years, and after earning their first win through Roberto Mancini’s second period in their previous match against Turkey, they surprised the Saint-Denis fans when Alessandro Bastoni equalized with his second goal in as many matches.

Both teams had chances to take all three points, and with France reduced to 10 men late on after Dayot Upamecano picked up a second yellow card, the Azzurri are likely to be more frustrated by the failure to do so.

France maintained its lead in Group A in the First Nations League, three points ahead of third-placed Italy.

France is disappointed in Zidane’s first home match

Moise Kean was guilty of wasting a stunning chance nine minutes into the game, as the Como striker failed to crown a brilliant move for Italy as the goal was at his mercy at his far post as he somehow managed to deflect Michael Kayode’s low pass across goal into the arms of Mike Maignane.

France struggled to trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma for most of the first half, although Italy breathed a sigh of relief when Ulise’s cross hit the top of the crossbar.

Davide Fratesse saw a shot deflected wide after a long throw as Italy caused France more problems in the dying minutes of the first half, with Kane seeing a goal rightly ruled out for offside shortly before half-time.

France appeared in the second half with renewed energy and forced Donnarumma to make two stunning saves shortly after the restart to deny Desiree Du and Ousmane Dembele from scoring.

The Italy goalkeeper almost volleyed home a well-placed shot from Ulis, but there was nothing Donnarumma could do to deny Ulis’ stunning free-kick, who left the Manchester City goalkeeper in his tracks with a stunning shot that came back off the crossbar.

But Italy responded well and punished a mistake by Como midfielder Lucas da Cunha, which saw him removed from Bastoni.

The Inter Milan centre-back then showed great composure in a surprise foray into the box, beating Mike Maignan with a confident finish that Jérémie Jacquet could only help tap into the net.

Adrien Rabiot came agonizingly close to restoring France’s lead when he saw Donnarumma curl a shot around the post, before Kane made up for his earlier miss with a curling header that Maignan had to clear.

Donnarumma made an impressive save from a long-range effort from Eduardo Camavinga as France pushed for victory, but their ambition to do so was somewhat checked after Upamecano was shown a second booking for a challenge on Kane.

Italy wasted a golden opportunity to capitalize on their extra men when substitute Niccolò Barella crossed from close range, and it was Donnarumma’s stunning reactions that ensured they were not punished for the extravagance when he brilliantly cleared a shot from Camavinga.

There was controversy late on when Ulise went down under a challenge from Bastoni, but Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision that the defender had had enough of the ball was upheld by VAR, with France left to settle for a point.

European Nations League table

Next matches for France and Italy