UEFA Nations League
Italy fights back to draw after Olise stunner
Zinedine Zidane was denied victory on his home debut as France boss as Italy fought back for a 1-1 draw at Stade de France, cancelling out a stunning opener from Michael Olise.… Show More
Zinedine Zidane was denied victory on his home debut as France boss as Italy fought back for a 1-1 draw at Stade de France, cancelling out a stunning opener from Michael Olise.
Olise's amazing strike looked set to secure France a third consecutive 1-0 win in the UEFA Nations League under its new head coach, but Alessandro Bastoni pounced on an error from Adrien Rabiot to rescue a point for Italy, before Dayot Upamecano also saw red for Les Bleus.
Although France dominated possession in the early stages, Italy squandered a huge chance to take the lead after Moise Kean shot straight at Mike Maignan from close range after a brilliant low cross from Michael Kayode.
The hosts hit the crossbar when Doue's deflected centre landed on Gianluigi Donnarumma's crossbar, but it was Italy that wasted another big chance before the break as Davide Frattesi's eventual shot from Kayode's long throw was deflected wide of the left post.
France then made Italy pay for its wastefulness 10 minutes into the second half. Rayan Cherki won a free-kick on the edge of the box, and he rolled the ball for Olise to smash a powerful strike in off the crossbar.
However, the Azzurri levelled against the run of play in the 68th minute as Rabiot played Lucas da Cunha into trouble, and Bastoni took full advantage as he won possession and expertly finished past Maignan.
France's hopes of finding a winner took a blow five minutes from time after Upamecano was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Kean, and the visitors managed to hold on for an important point on the road.
France had won 1-0 away to both Turkiye and Belgium in Zidane's first two games.
"I'm very disappointed for the players because we deserved better," he said.
"But I'm proud of them, the effort, the pressing, they were exemplary."
Zidane's first home game in charge came against the same opposition he had faced in his final international match as a player.
That 2006 FIFA World Cup final, which Italy won on penalties, will forever be remembered for Zidane's headbutt to the chest of Marco Materazzi, which led to his red card in extra-time.
For all France's slick passing and attacking play, Italy was able to manage the load, and created more than enough chances to win the game itself.
"We knew it would be a very difficult match," Italy coach Roberto Mancini said.
"But we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession."
Show Less
