Italy Mount Comeback to Defeat France 3-1, Seizing Top Spot in Nations League Group

Francesco Pio Esposito netted twice, handing Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France head coach, as Italy staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-1 victory at San Siro and ascend to the top of their Nations League group. Michael Olise capitalized on a Gianluigi Donnarumma error to give the visitors an early lead in the 10th minute on Thursday. However, Italy responded with goals from Esposito and Davide Frattesi either side of halftime. Esposito's second goal, a penalty, came after his brother Sebastiano had missed a spot-kick earlier. France also saw two attempts hit the woodwork in a thrilling encounter. This result propelled Italy to the summit of Group A1 with 10 points, level with France but ahead on their head-to-head record. Belgium sits third with nine points after defeating bottom-placed Turkiye for their fifth consecutive loss.

France, despite the absence of star attackers Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele due to injury, started brightly under the Milan rain. Desire Doue tested the net, and first-time captain Adrien Rabiot forced a save from Donnarumma, before Lucas Da Cunha's powerful half-volley narrowly missed the target. The deadlock was broken when Donnarumma's pass was intercepted by Olise, who skillfully beat a defender and scored his fifth Nations League goal, a feat surpassed only by England's Harry Kane with seven.

Italy equalized in the 26th minute with their first real opportunity. Nicolo Cambiaghi made a run to the byline and delivered a cross that Esposito expertly finished. The goal ignited the San Siro crowd. Sebastiano Esposito nearly secured a quick turnaround two minutes later, forcing a sharp save from Mike Maignan. Bradley Barcola came close to extending France's lead before the break with a shot from the edge of the box that struck the post.

The second half continued with end-to-end action. Rayan Cherki's fierce strike was tipped onto the post by Donnarumma, only for Italy to counter and force a close-range save from Maignan off Cambiaghi. Italy had a prime opportunity to take the lead when Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto, earning a penalty. However, Sebastiano Esposito missed the target from the spot in the 60th minute.

The Azzurri quickly recovered from the penalty miss. Just three minutes later, Frattesi scored the go-ahead goal, drilling a shot from a Federico Dimarco cross. Fellow substitute Antonio Vergara earned Italy another penalty when he was fouled by Dayot Upamecano. This time, Francesco Pio Esposito confidently converted, sending the ball into the bottom corner.

The victory extended Roberto Mancini's unbeaten run in his second spell as Italy coach to four matches and marked their first home win against France since 1962. The final group games will see Belgium host Italy and Turkiye travel to France on Sunday.

In other Nations League action, England captain Harry Kane celebrated his record 126th cap by scoring the match-winning penalty against Croatia at Wembley, securing England's place in the last eight. Kane's goal in the 64th minute, his 92nd for England, came after Croatia had equalized. The Bayern Munich forward was honored before the match, surpassing Peter Shilton's long-standing record.