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Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 in Milan on Thursday, handing Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as head coach of Les Bleus and moving above their rivals at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1.
France took an early lead in the fifth-round encounter at the San Siro after Michael Olise capitalised on a loose pass from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to score in the 10th minute.
However, Italy responded through Francesco Pio Esposito, who turned in Nicolo Cambiaghi’s pass to draw the hosts level.
France came close to restoring their advantage, but Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki both struck the woodwork as the visitors failed to convert their chances.
Italy also missed an opportunity to take the lead when Sebastiano Esposito blazed a second-half penalty over the bar.
The hosts eventually went ahead through Davide Frattesi, who powered home Federico Dimarco’s cut-back to put Italy in front.
Francesco Pio Esposito then completed his brace from the penalty spot after France defender Dayot Upamecano fouled substitute Antonio Vergara, sealing the 3-1 victory.
The result lifted Italy above France at the top of Group A1 on head-to-head record, although both sides remain level on 10 points. Belgium are third with nine points after beating Turkey 2-1 in Izmir.
Turkey took the lead through a superb free-kick from Arda Guler under new coach Sergen Yalcin, but Belgium responded with quick goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere to claim all three points.
Belgium will host Italy on Sunday, while France welcome Turkey in the final round of group matches.
