Italy once again proved a formidable foe for Zinedine Zidane, securing a 1-1 draw in Zidane's home debut as France coach Friday. Michael Olise scored a stunning opening goal in the 55th minute, but a giveaway from Lucas Da Cunha allowed Alessandro Bastoni to clip a low shot inside the right post 13 minutes later. France were denied by an impressive Gianluigi Donnarumma and had Dayot Upamecano sent off late.
Zidane received a warm ovation at Stade de France, with chants of "Zizou" and a banner reading "Bienvenue Chez Toi". "It was touching," Zidane said. "We would have loved to give the stadium and the whole nation a victory, but it wasn't to be." Zidane was facing Italy for the first time since his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final. He won his first two away games 1-0.
For returning Italy coach Roberto Mancini, the draw represents an impressive result as he rebuilds after missing three World Cups. Donnarumma made a double save from Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, then denied Adrien Rabiot. France remain atop their Nations League group, a point ahead of Belgium, with Italy a further two points back.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing