Italy recover from early Donnarumma error to beat France 3-1 in Nations League

Italy came from behind to defeat France 3-1 in a Nations League League A group-stage match, with Francesco Esposito scoring twice and Davide Frattesi also finding the net.

France took the lead after 15 minutes when Michael Olise capitalised on a misplaced pass from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Olise won possession, moved into the area and finished into the bottom-left corner.

Rayan Cherki then sent an effort just wide of the right post, while Adrien Rabiot tested Donnarumma with a header and later missed the target from distance. Donnarumma also saved from Rabiot inside the area.

Italy equalised before half-time through Francesco Esposito. Niccolo Cambiaghi broke down the left and sent a low cross across the area, which Esposito met with a right-footed finish into the right side of the goal.

France continued to threaten after the interval. Bradley Barcola struck the left post from inside the area, while Cherki went narrowly wide and another effort from outside the box was saved by Donnarumma before hitting the right post.

Italy moved ahead when Federico Dimarco delivered a low cross from the left for Davide Frattesi, who finished first time with his left foot into the right corner.

The match then produced two penalties for Italy. The first was awarded after Malo Gusto brought down Cambiaghi, but Sebastiano Esposito sent his spot-kick wide.

Italy were awarded another penalty after Antonio Vergara was fouled inside the area by Dayot Upamecano. Francesco Esposito converted it confidently, sending the ball to the right of the goal to complete his second goal of the match and make it 3-1.

France had earlier called for a penalty, but the referee waved play on. Italy also had a number of chances from set pieces, with Nicolo Barella and Dimarco delivering corners that were cleared by the French defence.

There were yellow cards for France players Jeremy Jacquet and Eli Junior Kroupi, as well as Italy’s Francesco Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. Desire Doue received treatment during the second half before play resumed.

France made five substitutions, while Italy used five changes. The second half included one minute of added time, with four minutes added at the end of the match.

In the closing stages, Olise sent a free-kick over the crossbar after Senny Mayulu had been fouled, while a late Dimarco attempt from near halfway went wide. France pressed for a way back into the match, but Italy’s organised defence held firm.