Italy staged an impressive comeback at the San Siro to defeat France 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League fixture, propelling Roberto Mancini’s side to the top of their group. Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice to secure the victory after the host nation conceded an early goal.
France Take Early Lead Before Esposito Equalizes
France started the contest with high intensity and threatened early. Desire Doue fired a shot into the side-netting before Adrien Rabiot forced Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into an excellent save.
The visiting side broke the deadlock in the 10th minute following an error by Donnarumma. Michael Olise intercepted a misplaced pass from the goalkeeper, drove into the penalty area, and finished beneath Donnarumma to put Zinedine Zidane’s team ahead.
Italy equalized in the 26th minute through a swift attack down the left wing. Nicolo Cambiaghi beat defender Malo Gusto and delivered a cross into the penalty box for Inter Milan forward Francesco Pio Esposito, who turned the ball home from close range. France nearly restored their lead prior to half-time, but Bradley Barcola’s effort struck the post.
Second-Half Turnaround Secures Victory for Italy
The match saw further drama in the 60th minute when Italy earned a penalty after Gusto fouled Cambiaghi inside the box. However, Sebastiano Esposito was unable to convert the opportunity.
Italy gained the lead three minutes later. Federico Dimarco, who had just entered the match as a substitute, sent a low cross into the penalty box for Davide Frattesi to finish from close range.
The home side expanded their advantage in the 74th minute after Dayot Upamecano brought down Antonio Vergara in the penalty area. Francesco Pio Esposito took the spot-kick and drove his shot into the bottom corner past Mike Maignan, despite the goalkeeper diving in the correct direction.
Olise threatened with a late free-kick for France, but the visitors could not narrow the deficit before the final whistle. The victory moves Italy to the top of their Nations League group ahead of their upcoming match against Belgium on November 15, 2026, while France will face Türkiye on the same day.
