France let their lead slip, and Italy left Saint-Denis with a hard earned point. However, Michael Olise’s brilliant finish could not secure a third straight French victory.
Friday’s France vs Italy meeting ended 1-1 at the Stade de France on October 2, 2026. Alessandro Bastoni equalized before Dayot Upamecano’s late dismissal complicated the hosts’ finish.
France vs Italy tests possession against defensive discipline
Zidane began his first home match after 1-0 away victories over Türkiye and Belgium. However, injured captain Kylian Mbappé remained absent, leaving Ousmane Dembélé to lead the team.
Roberto Mancini’s visitors arrived after beating Türkiye 4-1 following their opening defeat against Belgium. Both coaches therefore had reasons to demand another convincing performance. Moise Kean tested Mike Maignan early, showing how quickly the visitors could create danger.
Later, Kean found the net around the 41st minute, only for offside to cancel his effort. Neither side scored before halftime, although the contest offered more danger than that score suggested.
Cherki and Olise unlock the Italian defense
France finally broke through in the 55th minute after Nicolò Fagioli fouled Rayan Cherki. Rather than shoot directly, Cherki tapped the free kick short to Olise.
The winger curled his left footed effort into the goal off the underside of the crossbar. As a result, the Michael Olise free kick supplied the breakthrough France needed.
¡¡VENÍA DE HACER UN GOLAZO ANTE BÉLGICA Y AHORA HIZO ESTA LOCURA!! ¡¡INFERNAL TIRO LIBRE DE OLISÉ PARA EL 1-0 DE FRANCIA ANTE ITALIA!!
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) October 2, 2026
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UEFA’s official match recap confirms the short delivery, an important detail behind the spectacular finish. However, Italy still had time to respond.
Bastoni punishes an error in the French build up
Bastoni seized his opportunity in the 68th minute when Lucas Da Cunha failed to control the ball. Then, the defender advanced and beat Maignan with a precise left footed shot.
Italy’s willingness to pressure the French build up therefore delivered a reward beyond defensive resistance. The Bastoni equalizer exposed how one loose touch could undo the hosts’ earlier work.
¡¡LA AZZURRI DE MANCINI TIENE HAMBRE DE GLORIA!! ¡¡RECUPERACIÓN ALTÍSIMA DE BASTONI, QUE TOMÓ LA LANZA Y DEFINIÓ A COLOCAR PARA EL 1-1 DE ITALIA ANTE LA FRANCIA DE ZIDANE!!
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) October 2, 2026
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France needed better protection around the receiver, especially with an opponent ready to challenge from behind.
Seven points keep France narrowly ahead
After France vs Italy, the hosts have seven points from three matches. Meanwhile, Belgium reached six by defeating Türkiye 3-0, while Italy held third place with four.
El Universo’s group standings report confirms those positions and the next fixtures. France hosted Belgium on Monday, October 5, with their narrow lead immediately under pressure. Italy, meanwhile, welcomed Türkiye to Bologna on the same evening.
Donnarumma protects the point Italy earned
Gianluigi Donnarumma supplied the saves that allowed Italy’s recovery to count. In addition, his interventions against Adrien Rabiot and substitute Eduardo Camavinga frustrated France’s pursuit of another goal.
¡¡AEROLÍNEAS DONNARUMMA!! ¡¡A MANO CAMBIADA, GIGIO LA SACÓ DEL ÁNGULO, LE NEGÓ EL GOL A CAMAVINGA Y EVITÓ EL 2-1 DE FRANCIA ANTE ITALIA!!
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) October 2, 2026
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Bastoni delivered the attacking response, while his goalkeeper handled the pressure afterward. Together, those contributions explain why Italy escaped with a point despite France’s possession advantage. However, the draw also reflected opportunities the French attackers failed to convert.
Upamecano leaves France short in the closing minutes
Upamecano received his second yellow card in the 85th minute, leaving France with ten players. Consequently, Zidane’s side had to protect their defense while still seeking a winner.
Primicias’ post-match coverage records Zidane’s frustration with the result, despite his satisfaction with the performance. The coach identified insufficient first-half penetration and missed second-half opportunities as areas for improvement.
SE PICÓ EN EL STADE DE FRANCE. Upamecano tiró una piña sobre el brazo de Keane y luego un cabezazo sobre Frattesi... ¡Francia vs. Italia es un PARTIDAZO con todos los condimentos!
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) October 2, 2026
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Moreover, better discipline would help France avoid another uncomfortable closing spell. France vs Italy highlighted the difference between controlling the ball and securing three points. However, Zidane still has an unbeaten start and a group lead to defend.
Italy can build on their response, especially Bastoni’s anticipation and Donnarumma’s reliability under pressure.
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