Nations League, League A Group 1 · San Siro, Milan · Thursday 12 November 2026
Result: Pio Esposito scored twice as Italy came back to beat France 3-1 at San Siro and top their Nations League group. It was Zinedine Zidane’s first defeat as France’s head coach.
First half: France strike early
France were without Mbappé and Dembélé through injury, but started electrically in the pouring rain. The opener was a gift: Donnarumma passed straight to Olise, who finished for his fifth goal in five Nations League games. That put France ahead after 10 minutes. Italy had no chances until the 26th minute. Then Cambiaghi reached the byline and cut the ball back, and Pio Esposito converted with a deft touch. His brother Sebastiano nearly made it 2-1 soon after, forcing a sharp save from Maignan. Barcola came closest for France before the break, curling a shot off the far post.
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Second half: Italy Take Over
Cherki’s strike was tipped onto the post by Donnarumma, and Italy then forced a point-blank save from Maignan at the other end. On the hour, Sebastiano Esposito had a chance to join his brother on the scoresheet. He hammered his penalty wide. Three minutes later, Frattesi drilled in a Dimarco cross, moments after Dimarco came off the bench. Then substitute Antonio Vergara won another penalty, and this time Pio Esposito sent it into the bottom corner.
Tactical Note
Italy looked like a team that the world has seen dominate. They scored and then defended tooth and nail to shut out the opposition. Italy’s midfield was strong and denied an attack that lacked Mbappé and Dembele. France just didn’t have the balance and the firepower to surmount the midfield challenge from Italy.
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A Crucial Win For Italy
Italy lead Group A1 on 10 points, level with France but ahead on head-to-head. It was Italy’s first home win over France since 1962, and extended their unbeaten run under Roberto Mancini to four matches. Belgium are third on nine points. In the final round on Sunday, Belgium host Italy and Turkey travel to France. Italy’s victory against France has the potential for far-reaching ramifications and will hold the Azzurri in good stead going forward.
The Esposito factor
The warning in your headline holds up. Pio, the Inter striker, was the match-winner with a poacher’s finish and a cool penalty. Sebastiano’s miss was the only blemish on a family night in Milan, and it didn’t cost Italy.
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