Italy Stun France 3-1 in Nations League Thriller

Italy 3-1 France: Azzurri Fightback Stuns Les Bleus

Italy produced a tactical masterclass to overturn an early deficit and thrash France 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash, despite seeing just 35% of the ball in a pulsating encounter in Milan.

Olise Stuns San Siro as France Fly Out the Blocks

The nightmare start materialised for Roberto Mancini’s men when Michael Olise – starting in an unfamiliar false nine role – ghosted between centre-backs to slot past Gianluigi Donnarumma after just 10 minutes. France’s early dominance was typified by Jérémy Jacquet’s yellow card three minutes later for a cynical chop on Nicolo Cambiaghi as Italy threatened on the break.

Esposito Sparks Italian Renaissance

The 20-year-old Pio Esposito announced himself on the international stage in the 26th minute, peeling off Upamecano to volley home Cambiaghi’s whipped cross at the back post. The Inter Milan youngster’s yellow card for a late lunge in the 39th minute barely dampened Italian spirits as they grew into the game.

Drama erupted on the hour when Sebastiano Esposito saw his penalty saved by Maignan after Jacquet handled in the box, but within two minutes, substitute Federico Dimarco’s inch-perfect cross was headed home by Davide Frattesi to complete the turnaround. The Sassuolo midfielder’s yellow card for overcelebrating in the 71st minute summed up Italy’s feverish intensity.

Esposito Seals Famous Win from the Spot

Redemption came in the 75th minute when Pio Esposito coolly converted a second penalty after Eli Kroupi’s clumsy foul, sending Maignan the wrong way to cap a coming-of-age performance. Zinedine Zidane’s quintuple substitution failed to spark a French revival as Italy’s low block frustrated their 65% possession.

The result leaves France’s Nations League hopes hanging by a thread while propelling Italy to the top of League A Group 5. For Mancini, it’s vindication of his youth revolution – with Esposito’s brace and Frattesi’s header proving the new generation can mix it with Europe’s elite.

Key Moments

10′ ⚽ France — Michael Olise

26′ ⚽ Italy — Pio Esposito (assist: Nicolo Cambiaghi)

63′ ⚽ Italy — Davide Frattesi (assist: Federico Dimarco)

75′ ⚽ Italy — Pio Esposito

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.