France held by Italy as Opta statistic highlights recurring Nations League problem

France were unable to turn an early lead into victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy at Stade de France in the Nations League on Friday.

The result means France failed to win after scoring first in a competitive match for the first time since September 2024 – when they were beaten 3-1 by Italy despite taking the lead after only 13 seconds through Bradley Barcola.

Opta highlighted the unwanted sequence on social media, describing the latest outcome as “Frustrating”.

France remain top of Group 1 with seven points, but their advantage over second-placed Belgium has been reduced to one point. Italy are third on four points, while Turkey are bottom without a point.

The first half ended goalless, with France eventually breaking the deadlock 10 minutes after the interval.

Michael Olise put the hosts ahead in the 55th minute from a free-kick routine. Rayan Cherki played the ball short to Olise, who struck a left-footed effort that hit the crossbar before crossing the line.

Italy responded 13 minutes later after capitalising on a costly error by Lucas da Cunha. The French defender failed to control a pass from Adrien Rabiot, allowing Alessandro Bastoni to win possession high up the pitch.

Bastoni then carried the ball towards goal before finishing past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan to restore parity.

The goal was Bastoni’s second in this edition of the Nations League. He had also scored Italy’s opening goal in their 4-1 victory over Turkey a few days earlier.

France’s failure to hold on to their advantage repeated a pattern previously identified by Opta. Their last competitive defeat after taking the lead came against the same opposition in September 2024, when Barcola’s goal after 13 seconds had given them an immediate advantage.

Italy recovered from that early setback to win 3-1 on that occasion, and again denied France victory after conceding the opening goal in Friday’s meeting.

The draw leaves France in control of the group, but Belgium remain close behind on six points. Italy’s point moves them to four, while Turkey have yet to register in the standings.