France Held to 1-1 Draw by Italy
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy on Friday as Michael Olise scored another spectacular goal, while Alessandro Bastoni’s second-half equaliser denied France a third consecutive victory under coach Zinedine Zidane.
Olise, who had scored the winning goal against Belgium four days earlier, once again produced a moment of brilliance. The Bayern Munich forward put France ahead early in the second half with a powerful free-kick that went in off the crossbar.
Italy responded through Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who levelled the score midway through the second half.
The result means France remain at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1 with seven points, while Belgium are second with six points after defeating Turkey 3-0. Italy have four points and will next face Turkey.
Olise Gives France the Lead
France created several opportunities after the break, with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making a number of important saves.
Olise finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute after Rayan Cherki played the ball from a set-piece. The Bayern Munich star struck a powerful effort that went in off the crossbar.
Italy responded when Bastoni took advantage of a mistake outside the French penalty area before finishing to make it 1-1.
Donnarumma then kept Italy in the contest with further saves, including efforts from Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga.
France were reduced to 10 men late in the match when defender Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card in the 85th minute.
Zidane’s First Home Match
The match was particularly significant for Zidane, who was appearing at the Stade de France for the first time as France’s coach.
A crowd of 77,118 watched his home debut. Zidane had not appeared at the stadium since May 2006 as a player, when he earned his 100th international cap.
His final match as a player had also come against Italy in the 2006 World Cup final. Zidane was sent off during that match following his infamous clash with Marco Materazzi, with Italy eventually winning the final on penalties.
Despite the draw, Zidane said he was pleased with his team’s performance and praised his players for their efforts.
Italy Create Early Chances
Italy had opportunities before the interval. Moise Kean came close to opening the scoring after a quick attacking move, but France goalkeeper Mike Maignan made the save.
Davide Frattesi also threatened, while a Kean goal was ruled out for offside.
France had their own chances, with Olise coming close when his cross struck the crossbar.
The two teams will now continue their Nations League campaigns, with France scheduled to face Belgium in their next match, while Italy are set to host Turkey.
