Pio Esposito Double Helps Italy Beat France 3-1 and Hand Zidane His First Defeat
Italy came from behind at San Siro to go top of Nations League Group A1 on head-to-head, with one round of group matches left.
What happened
Italy beat France 3-1 at San Siro in Milan on Thursday 12 November 2026 in the UEFA Nations League, coming from a goal down. It was France's first defeat under Zinedine Zidane.
France led in the 10th minute. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma passed the ball straight to Michael Olise, who beat a defender and scored his fifth goal in five Nations League matches. Francesco Pio Esposito equalised in the 26th minute, finishing Nicolò Cambiaghi's cut-back from the byline.
Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty on the hour after Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto. Three minutes later Davide Frattesi put Italy ahead, shooting in a cross from substitute Federico Dimarco. Pio Esposito sealed the win from the penalty spot after Antonio Vergara was tripped by Dayot Upamecano. France hit the post twice, through Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.
Why it is being talked about
The result ended Zidane's unbeaten start as France coach and gave Italy, coached by Roberto Mancini, their first home win over France since 1962. France were without the injured Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, and Adrien Rabiot captained the team for the first time.
Key facts and numbers
- Score: Italy 3-1 France (1-1 at half-time).
- Scorers: Olise 10' (France); Pio Esposito 26' and penalty, Frattesi (Italy).
- Group A1: Italy 10 points, France 10, Belgium 9; Italy are top on head-to-head. Türkiye are bottom after a fifth straight defeat.
- Italy: unbeaten in four matches.
What happens next
The group stage ends on Sunday, with Belgium against Italy and Türkiye against France deciding the final order.
