Italy claim draw to spoil Zidane’s first home game in charge of France
Alessandro Bastoni spoiled Zinedine Zidane’s homecoming as France head coach as Italy earned a 1-1 draw in their Nations League clash in Paris. The Inter Milan centre-back was the surprise scorer as the Stade de France’s welcome for their former star player ended in somewhat muted fashion with centre-back Dayot Upamecano sent off five minutes from the end.
France head coach Zinedine Zidane faced disappointment as Italy secured a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Nations League Group A1 match at the Stade de France. The Italian centre-back Davide Frattesi scored the equalizer just five minutes from the end, effectively spoiling Zidane's first home game in charge of France. The draw ended Zidane's ambition to become the third France coach to win his first three matches and first since 1984, while maintaining three successive clean sheets.
The match saw Italy bounce back from an opening defeat to Belgium with a 4-1 victory over Turkey. However, France's hopes were dampened as Bastoni capitalized on a lapse, seizing the opportunity to score from a goal-kick. Zidane, who made his return to international football after retirement, couldn't secure a win as his team was reduced to ten men late in the game when Dayot Upamecano was sent off.
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