Italy rally past France to seize Nations League advantage at San Siro

Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, ending a 64-year wait for a home victory over Les Bleus in the Nations League.

France had not lost to Italy on Italian soil since 5 May 1962, when the Azzurri won 2-1 in Florence. Jean-Claude Pieumi put France ahead after 28 minutes, but Jose Altafini scored twice in the second half, in the 47th and 51st minutes, to complete Italy’s comeback.

The teams had met several times in Italy since then without another home win for the hosts. France’s most recent visit to San Siro, in November 2024, ended in a 3-1 victory for the visitors, also in the Nations League.

Michael Olise gave France an early lead on Thursday, scoring in the 10th minute after Gianluigi Donnarumma made a mistake while dealing with the ball.

Italy responded through Pio Esposito, who equalised in the 26th minute. Sebastiano Esposito then missed a penalty shortly after the break, but Davide Frattesi put the hosts in front in the 63rd minute.

Pio Esposito completed the scoring from the penalty spot 12 minutes later, ensuring Italy secured a notable victory in front of their home supporters.

The result leaves Italy and France level on 10 points at the top of Group A. Italy lead on goal difference and head-to-head record, while the defeat was Zinedine Zidane’s first as France manager.

For France defender Dayot Upamecano, the match also brought an unwanted international milestone. It was the first time in his career that France conceded three goals in a game in which he played the full 90 minutes.

The previous occasion on which France conceded three while Upamecano was on the pitch came in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. That match finished 3-3 after extra time, meaning the three goals were scored across 120 minutes before Argentina won the tournament on penalties.

Upamecano played in the memorable final in Qatar, which is regarded as one of the most entertaining matches in World Cup history.

The teams had drawn 1-1 in the reverse fixture. Olise had opened the scoring for France with an impressive free-kick before Alessandro Bastoni restored parity for Italy.

Italy will now travel to face Belgium in their final group match with greater confidence. A draw would be enough for the Azzurri to reach the Nations League quarter-finals.