France-Italy: Frustrating night for Les Bleus despite Zidane's triumphant return to Stade de France
Les Bleus settled for a draw against Italy (1-1) in the Nations League. Far from the scenario dreamed of by supporters, who had hoped to celebrate the new coach's first home match.
France drew 1-1 with Italy in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France. Michael Olise scored a stunning free-kick for France shortly after half-time, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy midway through the second half, according to the Malay Mail and New Straits Times.
The draw ended Zinedine Zidane's perfect start as France manager, following victories over Türkiye and Belgium in his first two matches in charge, as reported by Punch and Punch Nigeria. France remain top of Group A1 with seven points, one ahead of Belgium, while Italy have four points.
France had defender Dayot Upamecano sent off late on, as stated by the Malay Mail and New Straits Times. The match was attended by a packed crowd of 77,118 at the Stade de France, as noted by the Malay Mail and New Straits Times. Zidane's home debut was against the same opponents as in his final game as a player.
Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Malay Mail, Punch, New Straits Times, Punch Nigeria — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
