Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, 12 November 2026, moving top of their UEFA Nations League group and handing Zinédine Zidane his first defeat since taking charge of Les Bleus.

A brace from Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito and a goal from Davide Frattesi turned the match around after France had taken an early lead, in a result that also gave Italy their first home win over France since 1962.

Olise punishes Donnarumma error

France struck first after just 10 minutes. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma gave the ball away cheaply while playing out from the back, and Michael Olise punished the mistake to put the visitors ahead.

It was a dream start for France, who arrived in Milan unbeaten under Zidane and leading League A Group 1. But the early goal only stirred the home crowd and the home side, and Italy began to take control of the contest.

Esposito leads the comeback

Esposito levelled the scores in the 26th minute, finishing calmly to bring Italy back into the match. The 21-year-old then turned from scorer to match-winner after the break, with Frattesi putting Italy ahead in the 63rd minute before Esposito sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 75th.

Italy held on comfortably for the remaining 20 minutes, and the final whistle confirmed a famous night at San Siro. Roberto Mancini’s side now sit top of the group, level with France on 10 points but ahead on the head-to-head and goal-difference tiebreakers, with Italy on plus five and France on plus three.

A first defeat for Zidane

The result ended Zidane’s unbeaten start as France manager. The former Real Madrid coach had taken over in the summer and guided France through their opening Nations League fixtures without defeat, but his side had no answer once Italy found their rhythm in Milan.

France were without captain Kylian Mbappé, who had been ruled out of the fixture, and they faded badly after their bright opening. Italy, by contrast, grew stronger as the night went on and were deserved winners in the end.

What happens next

The group will be decided on Sunday, 15 November. Italy travel to Belgium, where they will secure qualification if they avoid defeat, while France host Türkiye and hope to claw back their lead at the top of the table.

Goals: Michael Olise 10′ (France); Francesco Pio Esposito 26′, 75′ (pen), Davide Frattesi 63′ (Italy). Italy 3-1 France, UEFA Nations League League A Group 1, matchday 5, San Siro, Milan.

Source: TNT Sports and UEFA.