Zinedine Zidane was unable to mark his first home game as France manager with a victory after Italy came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at the Stade de France.
Michael Olise put France ahead in the 55th minute with a spectacular effort, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised 13 minutes later after capitalising on an error from Adrien Rabiot. France were also reduced to 10 men after Dayot Upamecano was sent off late in the game.
France controlled much of the opening period, but Italy had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Moise Kean fired straight at Mike Maignan from close range after meeting a low cross from Michael Kayode.
The hosts came close when a deflected cross from Désiré Doué struck the crossbar, while Italy also threatened before half-time, with Davide Frattesi’s effort from Kayode’s long throw taking a deflection and going wide.
France eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart. Rayan Cherki won a free-kick just outside the box before rolling the ball into Olise’s path, allowing the winger to fire a powerful shot in off the crossbar.
Italy responded against the run of play in the 68th minute. Rabiot’s pass put Lucas da Cunha under pressure, allowing Bastoni to win possession before calmly finishing beyond Maignan.
France’s attempt to regain the lead suffered another setback five minutes from full time when Upamecano received a second yellow card for bringing down Kean. Italy held firm to leave Paris with a point.
France miss Mbappe’s magic
France had previously defeated Belgium without captain Kylian Mbappe, with Olise scoring the decisive goal, but the Bayern Munich winger’s latest contribution was not enough to secure another victory.
Olise, Doué and Ousmane Dembélé combined for 12 attempts, including six from Dembélé, but only Olise managed to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made seven saves.
Italy also finished with the better expected-goals figure, recording 1.46 compared with France’s 1.21, despite having fewer shots overall.
France remain top of Group A1, but Zidane will be aware that his team need greater attacking efficiency. Les Bleus have now scored just once in each of their three Nations League matches.
