Milan, 13 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Italy staged an impressive comeback to defeat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, handing Zinedine Zidane his first loss as France head coach and moving to the top of their UEFA Nations League group. France took an early lead in the 10th minute when Michael Olise capitalised on a costly mistake by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, beating a defender before finding the net. However, Italy responded strongly, with Francesco Pio Esposito equalising in the 26th minute after converting a cross from Nicolo Cambiaghi. Davide Frattesi then put the hosts ahead shortly after the interval, giving Italy control of the contest. Esposito completed his brace from the penalty spot, although his brother Sebastiano had earlier missed a spot kick by firing wide. France continued to push for a comeback but were denied twice by the woodwork in an entertaining encounter played under heavy rain in Milan. Despite missing key forwards Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele through injuries, France made a lively start, with Desire Doue and Adrien Rabiot creating early opportunities. Olise’s goal was his fifth in five Nations League appearances, placing him among the competition’s leading scorers. The victory lifted Italy to the top of Group A1 with 10 points, level with France but ahead on head-to-head record. Belgium occupied third place with nine points after securing their fifth consecutive victory against bottom-placed Turkey. The result marked a significant setback for Zidane, who suffered his first defeat since taking charge of the French national team.