Italy 3-1 France: Report, result and goals as Esposito scores twice to stun Zidane’s side in Nations League

UEFA Nations League,
League A – 5

Italy
ITA

3
–

1

Full Time

France
FRA

San Siro/Giuseppe Meazza

Istvan Kovacs

Pio Esposito 26′
Sebastiano Esposito 60′ (Pen)
Davide Frattesi 63′
Pio Esposito 75′ (Pen)

Michael Olise 10′

Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice as Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at the San Siro and move top of their Nations League group.

Michael Olise gave Zinedine Zidane’s side an early lead after a mistake from Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Esposito equalised before Davide Frattesi put the hosts ahead in the second half.

The Inter Milan striker then converted a penalty to seal an important win for Roberto Mancini’s side ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Belgium.

France started strongly and almost took the lead when Desire Doue fired into the side-netting before Adrien Rabiot forced Donnarumma into an excellent save.

Olise eventually broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, capitalising on Donnarumma’s misplaced pass before driving into the penalty area and finishing beneath the goalkeeper.

Italy responded in the 26th minute when Nicolo Cambiaghi beat Malo Gusto down the left and delivered a cross for Esposito to turn home from close range.

Bradley Barcola struck the post as France threatened to regain their advantage before half-time.

The second half brought further drama when Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty in the 60th minute after Cambiaghi was fouled by Gusto.

However, Italy took the lead just three minutes later.

Federico Dimarco, introduced moments earlier, drilled a low cross into the penalty area for Frattesi to finish from close range.

The hosts were awarded another penalty in the 74th minute when Dayot Upamecano brought down Antonio Vergara inside the box.

This time, Pio Esposito stepped forward and made no mistake, driving his effort into the bottom corner despite Mike Maignan diving the correct way.

Olise went close with a late free-kick, but France could not find a response.

The UEFA Nations League Table

Upcoming fixtures for Italy and France

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