The match commenced under challenging conditions, with pouring rain in Milan failing to dampen the intensity. France, missing star attackers Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele due to injury, launched an electric opening assault. Desire Doue struck the side netting, and first-time captain Adrien Rabiot tested goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but it was a defensive lapse that proved decisive. In the 10th minute, Donnarumma passed the ball directly to Olise, who skipped past a defender to fire home his fifth goal in five Nations League games. The record is currently surpassed only by England captain Harry Kane, who has seven.
Italy responded swiftly, equalizing in the 26th minute when Nicolo Cambiaghi drove to the byline and cut back a cross for Esposito to convert with a deft touch. The goal ignited San Siro, and two minutes later, Esposito’s brother Sebastiano threatened to complete a quickfire comeback, though his effort was saved sharply by Mike Maignan. France had a golden opportunity to retake the lead before halftime, as Bradley Barcola’s curling shot from the edge of the box struck the foot of the far post. The second half began with continued end-to-end action; Rayan Cherki’s rasping strike was tipped onto the post by Donnarumma, while Maignan made a point-blank save from Cambiaghi moments later.
The turning point arrived in the 60th minute when Italy were awarded a penalty after Cambiaghi was tripped by Malo Gusto. Sebastiano Esposito stepped up but hammered the spot kick wide, squandering a chance to move his team ahead. However, the hosts did not dwell on the miss. Just three minutes later, substitute Federico Dimarco provided an assist for Frattesi, who drilled in a shot to give Italy the lead. The game was sealed after Antonio Vergara was tripped by Dayot Upamecano, earning a second penalty. This time, Pio Esposito stepped up and drilled the shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.
The result places Italy at the summit of Group A1 with 10 points. They are level on points with France but hold the superior head-to-head record, having previously drawn 1-1 in Paris. Belgium sits third with nine points following their fifth consecutive victory over Turkey, who remain bottom of the group. For Italy, the win extends their unbeaten run to four matches under Roberto Mancini’s second spell in charge and marks their first home victory over France since 1962.
In related Nations League action, England secured qualification for the last eight with a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley. Captain Harry Kane claimed his record 126th cap and his 92nd goal for England, converting a penalty in the 64th minute to secure the victory before a crowd of 80,400. The win came after England conceded a sloppy equalizer five minutes earlier, but Kane’s composure from the spot proved decisive.
Looking ahead, the final round of group games will take place on Sunday, with Italy hosting Belgium and Turkey traveling to France. The outcome of these fixtures will determine the final standings and progression in the tournament.
