Italy produced an impressive comeback to defeat France 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash at the San Siro in Milan to claim massive three points after 90 minutes.
Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice, while Davide Frattesi also found the net as the host recovered from an early setback to claim all three points.
Michael Olise scored the visitor’s only goal after taking advantage of a costly mistake by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The victory was important for Italy, who moved to the top of Group A with 10 points, level with France. The result also handed French manager Zinedine Zidane his first defeat in charge of the national team.
France started the game with confidence and took the lead in the 10th minute following a major mistake from Manchester City’s goalkeeper Donnarumma.
The Italian goalkeeper attempted to play the ball out from the back but sent his pass directly to Michael Olise. The French attacker quickly took control, dribbled past a defender and fired a left-footed shot into the net to make it a 1-0 advantage.
The goal was a disappointing moment for Donnarumma, who was expected to provide security at the back for the home side. The host responded positively and continued searching for an equaliser.
Their efforts paid off in the 26th minute when Pio Esposito brought the hosts back into the game. Nicolò Cambiaghi created the opportunity with an excellent run down the left side.
He got past Gusto before delivering a cross into the penalty area, where Pio Esposito arrived to finish and make it 1-1. Italy continued to push forward before the break, but neither side managed to score another goal in the first half.
The second half produced more drama as the host Nation looked to complete their comeback. In the 60th minute, Italy were awarded a penalty after Cambiaghi was brought down by Gusto near the left side of the penalty area.
Sebastiano Esposito stepped forward to take the spot kick but failed to convert. The striker struck the ball with power but sent his effort over the crossbar, wasting a golden opportunity to put Italy ahead.
However, the host did not allow the missed penalty to affect their performance. Just three minutes later, Davide Frattesi scored to give the home side a 2-1 lead.
Nicolò Barella started the move with an excellent pass to Federico Dimarco on the left wing. Dimarco then delivered a low cross into the penalty area, and Frattesi finished the chance to complete their comeback.
The goal changed the mood inside the San Siro as the host moved closer to securing an important victory. They continued to press for another goal, and their efforts resulted in another penalty in the 75th minute.
This time, Pio Esposito took responsibility from the spot. The young striker calmly sent a low effort across the goal, beating French goalkeeper Mike Maignan to make it 3-1.
It was his second goal of the night and a special moment for the Esposito family after his older brother Sebastiano had missed an earlier penalty. The visitors struggled to find a response as Italy maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
The encounter came to an end with Italy claiming a massive 3-1 victory against France which gave them three points and a boost in the UEFA Nations League standings.
The biggest missed opportunity of the match came when Sebastiano Esposito failed to convert Italy’s first penalty in the second half.
Donnarumma’s early passing error also proved costly, allowing Olise to open the scoring. The victory takes Italy to 10 points, putting them at the top of Group A on the same points as France.
Belgium sit third with nine points after beating Turkey 2-1, while Turkey have been eliminated from the group. Italy will now turn their attention to their final group match against Belgium, while France prepare to host Turkey on Sunday, November 15.
For Zidane, the defeat is his first setback as the national team coach. Meanwhile , the host will take plenty of confidence from a comeback victory that showed their ability to recover from difficult situations.
Pio Esposito was undoubtedly one of the biggest winners of the night, scoring twice to help Italy secure a memorable 3-1 victory over France after 90 minutes of action between both Nations.
