UEFA Nations League: France Held 1-1 by Italy in Zidane's Home Debut - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy despite finishing with 10 players in UEFA Nations League Group A1 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday, in Zinedine Zidane's first home game as France coach.
According to BBC,Β Zidane had won his first two matches in charge on the road during this international break before Italy held France to a draw.
France took the lead in the 55th minute through Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise. The 24-year-old struck from outside the box, sending the ball into the net off the underside of the crossbar after Rayan Cherki rolled a free kick into his path.
Olise has now been involved in 14 goals in 15 appearances for France this year.
Italy equalized in the 68th minute when Alessandro Bastoni won possession from Lucas da Cunha before beating an advanced Mike Maignan from the edge of the box.
France were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when center-back Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card for blocking an opponent's movement.
Italy had created an early chance when Moise Kean's effort was saved by Maignan. Kean later appeared to put Italy ahead shortly before halftime, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
France responded strongly after the break, with Ousmane Dembele forcing a save from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before Olise broke the deadlock.
France remain top of Group A1 with seven points, while Italy sit third.
The draw marked one win, one draw and one defeat for Italy since Roberto Mancini returned as head coach.
Elsewhere in Group A1, Belgium, now managed by Mark van Bommel, beat Turkey 3-0. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, while Romelu Lukaku added the other goal.
