Nations League: Olise gives France late win over Belgium as Italy rout Turkey

France moved to the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1 after Michael Olise’s late winner secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium, while Italy began Roberto Mancini’s second spell in charge with a convincing 4-1 win against Turkey.

Olise came off the bench to settle a closely fought contest in the 88th minute, extending France’s winning run over Belgium to six matches. The result also ended Belgium’s six-match unbeaten home run.

France made a bright start after a short delay to kick-off. Brandon Mechele had an early header blocked before the hosts established control of possession, with debutant Lucas Da Cunha helping them set the pace.

Desire Doue went closest to scoring in the opening stages when he skilfully reached the Belgian penalty area, only to see his shot strike the crossbar. Belgium remained a threat, with Kevin De Bruyne attempting an effort from close to the halfway line after Eduardo Camavinga had been denied at the other end.

France created the clearest chances before the interval. Senne Lammens saved Maghnes Akliouche’s free-kick and then kept out Esteban Lepaul’s follow-up, before Romeo Lavia completed the clearance by stopping Pierre Kalulu’s effort on the line.

The pattern continued after half-time. Doue curled just wide and Da Cunha struck the post with a powerful attempt from distance. Lammens made further saves to keep Belgium in the match, while Youri Tielemans blocked another effort from Akliouche.

Belgium threatened late through Dodi Lukebakio, who tested Mike Maignan twice, but the France goalkeeper held firm. Olise then made the difference, carrying the ball forward before placing a composed finish into the bottom corner.

Esposito brothers feature as Italy beat Turkey

Italy responded emphatically to their previous defeat, with Pio and Sebastiano Esposito appearing together for the first time as the Azzurri defeated Turkey 4-1.

Pio Esposito was denied an early goal by an excellent save from Altay Bayindir. Turkey failed to deal with the resulting corner, however, and Alessandro Bastoni reacted quickest after Zeki Celik’s unsuccessful clearance to fire into the roof of the net.

Italy took control through sharp passing and doubled their advantage when Michael Kayode’s shot was saved following a one-touch move. Davide Frattesi was quickest to the rebound and finished from close range.

Five minutes later, Pio Esposito supplied Kayode, who scored with a low shot to mark his international debut with a goal.

Turkey improved after the interval and pulled one back when Oguz Aydin set up Baris Yilmaz for a close-range finish. Their revival was short-lived, as Sandro Tonali’s curling strike hit the post and Pio Esposito headed in the rebound.

Yilmaz found the net again, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Kerem Akturkoglu and Arda Guler missed late opportunities as Italy completed a convincing victory.

The result was Italy’s first win of Mancini’s second spell in charge and kept their unbeaten record against Turkey intact after 14 meetings. Turkey have now lost four of their last five competitive matches.