Italy climbed to the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1 on Thursday by defeating France 3 to 1 in Milan.
Italy Defeats France to Lead Group A1
- Italy’s surge to the top of Group A1 follows their victory over France with goals from Pio Esposito and Frattesi.
- France’s tactical setup under Zinédine Zidane, moving Kylian Mbappé to the left flank, followed reported internal squad changes.
Olise opened the scoring for France after an early defensive miscue by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. But the Azzurri answered back decisively.
Pio Esposito leveled the score before Frattesi struck to complete the turnaround. Roberto Mancini acknowledged the tactical luxury available to the opposing bench, noting the depth of attacking options.
“A França tem cinco ou seis atacantes, um melhor que o outro,” said Roberto Mancini, regarding the immense depth of the French squad.
Reports said that tensions allegedly brewed between Mbappé and Zidane concerning tactical repositioning and internal squad restructuring.
Zidane opted to preserve his star forward ahead of upcoming club commitments with Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“Eu diria para não arriscar Mbappé, considerando que ele tem a partida de amanhã pela frente. É melhor que não corra riscos nesse jogo, porque depois tem a Champions League pelo Real Madrid,” said Mancini, addressing the strategic decision to leave the star out of the lineup.
Looking ahead, Italy travels to Brussels to face Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium on Sunday, November 15, 2026, aiming to cement their grip on the group. Meanwhile, France prepares to square off against a winless Turkey side on the exact same matchday.
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