Italy Topple France 3-1 as Pio Esposito Stars and Zidane Suffers First Managerial Defeat

Key Takeaways:

• Italy overcame France 3-1 to seize the lead in Nations League Group A1
• Pio Esposito scored a brace and his brother missed a penalty, while Davide Frattesi was also on target for the hosts
• Zinedine Zidane experienced his first defeat at the helm of Les Bleus

Match Analysis: Dramatic Turnaround in Bologna

Italy orchestrated a memorable comeback to triumph 3-1 over France, climbing to the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1. Zinedine Zidane endured his maiden loss as France manager, as the hosts surged back thanks to a double from Pio Esposito and a decisive effort by Davide Frattesi.

The visitors demonstrated early fluency, crafting the initial opening through Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, the latter narrowly firing into the side netting after a smart exchange. Doue then supplied a dangerous cross which Adrien Rabiot headed goalwards, prompting the first intervention from Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, the Italian goalkeeper quickly lost composure, gifting the ball to Michael Olise, who confidently slotted into the corner to put France ahead, marking his 25th goal involvement of the campaign.

Donnarumma atoned with a save against Barcola at his near post, but Italy were yet to truly assert themselves. That changed when Nicolo Cambiaghi brilliantly navigated down the flank and set up Pio Esposito to register Italy’s first shot on target and the equaliser.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE! 👏

#ITAFRA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro https://t.co/xnWiAYjshp

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 12, 2026

Key Moments and Missed Opportunities

Sebastiano Esposito then called French keeper Mike Maignan into action, before Barcola nearly restored France’s lead, only to strike the woodwork from range. Malo Gusto, culpable for the Italian equaliser, made amends early in the second period with strong defending, but Donnarumma nearly suffered another error, ultimately pulling off a vital stop to deny Rayan Cherki after another turnover.

The contest opened up as Cambiaghi outpaced Gusto, earning a penalty following a foul in the box. Sebastiano Esposito squandered the opportunity, sending his strike off-target – the first instance in an international match of one brother scoring and the other missing a penalty.

Late Surge Secures Italian Victory

Despite the missed chance, Italy maintained the initiative. Substitute Federico Dimarco tormented Gusto, delivering a pinpoint cross for Frattesi to fire home the go-ahead goal. The French defence then faltered again, with Dayot Upamecano clattering Antonio Vergara to concede another penalty. This time, Pio Esposito converted from the spot, sealing his brace and the Italians’ comprehensive triumph.

With this result, Italy edge closer to their third Nations League finals appearance in the last four campaigns, although still awaiting tournament glory. For France, the pursuit of a record-equalling 13th win in a single calendar year must continue, as qualification no longer rests solely in their hands.

Match Statistics