France 1-1 Italy: Bastoni denies hosts victory and spoils Zinedine Zidane’s special night

France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in the Nations League on Friday, as Alessandro Bastoni’s second-half equaliser denied the hosts victory and gave the match an added connection to Zinedine Zidane’s most painful memory against the Azzurri.

The result leaves France top of Group A with seven points after three matches, while Italy move to four points in third place. The visitors recovered after falling behind and secured a valuable point in a contest that saw both goalkeepers produce important saves.

The first half ended goalless, but France broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the interval. Michael Olise gave the home side the lead in the 55th minute with a powerful strike which hit the crossbar before finding the net.

France continued to press for a second goal as they looked to make their control count, but their advantage lasted only 13 minutes. Bastoni won possession impressively in the 68th minute, advanced towards goal and finished to bring Italy level.

His equaliser opened up the game, with both sides committing players forward in search of the goal that would secure all three points. The chances continued to arrive, but neither team could find a decisive finish.

France came close to restoring their lead on several occasions. Ousmane Dembele threatened Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal, only for the Italy goalkeeper to make a crucial intervention and keep out a second effort.

Doi then tried his luck with a powerful shot which appeared capable of putting France back in front, but Donnarumma again reacted well to preserve Italy’s position in the match.

Italy also had an opportunity to complete the turnaround when Moise Kean came close to scoring a second. Mike Maignan intervened at the right moment, producing an excellent save to prevent the Azzurri from taking the lead before the match ended level.

Memories of Berlin return

The draw gave the fixture a particular significance for Zidane, who faced Italy again for the first time since the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin. That match also finished 1-1 after extra time, before Italy won the trophy on penalties.

It was one of the most difficult nights of Zidane’s playing career. He was sent off in extra time after the incident involving Italy defender Marco Materazzi, bringing his final appearance for France to a dramatic end.

Almost 20 years later, Italy again stood in the way of a French celebration in Zidane’s presence, although the circumstances were different this time. The Azzurri prevented France from claiming victory and ensured that the occasion ended with a draw.

There was no winner in the latest meeting, but Italy left with a valuable point, while Zidane’s association with the national side remained linked once more to memories of the Azzurri and the final in Berlin.