France held by Italy in Zidane's home debut as manager

Zinedine Zidane's first home game in charge of France ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw with Italy in the Nations League on Friday, October 2. The result halted a perfect start of two wins and two clean sheets for the new manager. It also interrupted a recent run of inconsistent form for the team, which had seen them record two wins, two losses, and a draw (DWWLL) in their last five outings.

Michael Olise had given France the lead ten minutes into the second half with a sublime free-kick that clipped the crossbar on its way in, assisted by Rayan Cherki. The goal rewarded France's early dominance against a deep-lying Italian defence.

Alessandro Bastoni pulled Italy level in the 68th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse. The match turned in the closing stages when Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card in the 87th minute for a foul on Moise Kean, leaving France with ten men.

Zidane voiced his disappointment after the final whistle. "I'm very disappointed for the players because we deserved better," the manager said. He praised his team's effort, adding, "But I'm proud of them, the effort, the pressing, they were exemplary."

Attention now turns immediately to the next fixture, a home match against Belgium on Monday, October 5, which features in our fixtures list.

Despite the dropped points, the match was a symbolic return for Zidane to the Stade de France, twenty years after the 2006 World Cup final. French supporters, who had snapped up all tickets within hours, backed their team throughout, chanting "Where are the Italians?" during the first half.

On the pitch, France must regroup quickly. A previously watertight defence conceded its first goal under Zidane. Team selection for the Belgium game will be key, especially to cover for Upamecano's suspension.

Background and full detail: France Info Sport