UEFA Nations League: France Fall to Italy in First Setback for Zinedine Zidane's Squad

The French senior national football team suffered its first defeat under the management of new head coach Zinedine Zidane, after falling to host Italy by a score of (3-1) on the evening of Thursday, November 12, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, as part of the UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Promising Start and Fragile Defense

The French squad entered the match in the absence of their star Kylian Mbappé, yet managed to open the scoring early in the 10th minute thanks to attacking pressure that yielded a goal by Michael Olise following an error by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite controlling the game and creating dangerous chances that hit the post through Bradley Barcola (35th minute) and Rayan Cherki (52nd minute), the lack of attacking efficiency and glaring defensive mistakes cost France dearly.

Italy managed to level the score from their very first attacking attempt in the 26th minute through Pio Esposito after getting past defender Malo Gusto. Gusto struggled throughout the match on the defensive flank; he conceded a missed penalty in the 60th minute, before France conceded a second goal through Davide Frattesi in the 63rd minute from the very same side.

Decision Deferred to Bordeaux Clash

The disarray in the French backline continued as Dayot Upamecano conceded a second penalty, which Pio Esposito successfully converted into a third goal in the 75th minute, sealing the hosts' supremacy and consolidating an Italian habit of turning the scoreline around against Les Bleus.

With this result, France's qualification for the quarter-finals is postponed to the final round of the group stage, where Zidane's squad will host Turkey on Sunday evening at 20:45 French time at the Bordeaux stadium, with their sights set on securing victory, regaining balance, and holding onto the top spot in Group 1.