France held by Italy as Belgium return to winning ways in Nations League

France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in Zinedine Zidane’s first home match as head coach, while Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League with two goals from Kevin De Bruyne.

Michael Olise’s free-kick put France ahead, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy. France remain unbeaten in competitive home matches for seven games and top Group A1, while Belgium recovered from their previous defeat by France.

Zidane’s side began with an aggressive press, but Italy created the first clear opening inside 10 minutes. Michael Kayode’s cross was missed by Dayot Upamecano, allowing Moise Kean a close-range effort which Mike Maignan saved with a sharp reflex stop.

France went close when Sandro Tonali deflected Olise’s cross on to the crossbar. Italy remained disciplined, however, and Kean later had a goal ruled out for offside after finishing from close range.

After the interval, Desire Doue forced Gianluigi Donnarumma to save a curling shot before France finally broke through. Olise’s excellent free-kick struck the underside of the crossbar on its way in, leaving Donnarumma with no chance.

Italy responded after Lucas Da Cunha’s poor first touch allowed them to win possession high up the pitch. Bastoni kept his composure before placing the ball beyond Maignan.

Both teams had chances to claim victory. Maignan denied Kean with a header, while Donnarumma saved from Eduardo Camavinga and then kept out a late attempt from Bradley Barcola. France finished with 10 men after Upamecano was shown a second yellow card for pulling back Kean.

“It was tight, but I’m happy with the performance of my side and what I’ve seen,” Zidane told UEFA.

“Of course, it’s a slightly frustrating result because we perhaps deserved a little more. I think we deserved more from tonight, especially up until their goal. We certainly could have scored a second goal.”

He added: “It bodes well, especially in terms of what we’ve managed to put in place. I think I can be very proud of my team.”

De Bruyne inspires Belgium

Belgium took all three points against Turkey after De Bruyne produced two outstanding finishes.

The hosts started positively following their struggles against Italy, but De Bruyne found space in midfield and opened the scoring after exchanging passes with Dodi Lukebakio. He collected the return ball on the edge of the area and drove a precise shot through Abdulkerim Bardakci into the bottom corner.

Turkey threatened during an entertaining first half. Arda Guler’s set-pieces caused problems, while Bardakci and Merih Demiral went close with headers. Guler also tested Senne Lammens, but Belgium created opportunities through Hans Vanaken and Lukebakio, who both forced saves from Ugurcan Cakir.

De Bruyne doubled the lead after Youri Tielemans won possession from Yunus Akgun. The Belgium captain received the ball outside the area and curled a superb effort into the top corner.

Charles De Ketelaere then delivered a quick free-kick into the six-yard box, where substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring.

Tielemans and De Bruyne were booked and will miss Belgium’s next match against France. Turkey remain without a point in their first Nations League A campaign, while Belgium strengthened their position in the group.