Italy beat France 3-1 at San Siro in the fifth round of the Nations League, securing a crucial victory. Roberto Mancini's side came from behind after Michael Olise's opening goal, completing the comeback thanks to a brace from Pio Esposito and a strike from Davide Frattesi. It was also a night to forget for Zinedine Zidane, who suffered his first defeat as France head coach.
Italy-France 3-1: Olise capitalises on Donnarumma's mistake
It was not the start Italy had hoped for at the San Siro. France came out with great intensity and immediately put the Italian defence under pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute, when Gianluigi Donnarumma misplaced a pass during the build-up and handed possession to Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich forward got past his marker before beating the Italian goalkeeper with a precise right-footed finish.
Italy responded well and refused to lose its shape. In the 26th minute, Mancini's team found an equaliser through Pio Esposito. Cambiaghi produced an excellent run down the left and delivered a perfect pass into the striker's path. Esposito got ahead of Upamecano and found the net to make it 1-1.
France tried to regain the lead, but the woodwork came to Italy's rescue. Both Barcola and Cherki came close to scoring, only to see their efforts denied by the frame of Donnarumma's goal.
Frattesi completes the comeback as Pio Esposito seals the win
Italy started the second half with a great opportunity to take the lead. Sebastiano Esposito had the chance to put the Azzurri ahead from the penalty spot, but sent his effort wide and missed the opportunity.
The missed penalty did not affect Mancini's side. Shortly afterwards, Davide Frattesi completed the comeback. Federico Dimarco delivered a powerful cross into the box, and the midfielder met it first time with a superb finish to beat Maignan and make it 2-1.
Italy struck again in the closing stages. Substitute Antonio Vergara won another penalty after being fouled by Upamecano. This time, Pio Esposito stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, completing his brace and securing the 3-1 victory.
Italy claimed a valuable three points with a performance full of character and determination, having recovered from an early setback and a missed penalty. The Azzurri moved to the top of their Nations League group, while Zidane suffered his first defeat in charge of France. Attention now turns to the final match against Belgium, which will be crucial for Italy's campaign.