Late Drama As France And Italy Share Spoils In 1-1 Nations League Draw
France and Italy played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested UEFA Nations League clash at the Stade de France. After a goalless first half, France broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Michael Olise produced a superb finish from outside the box following a clever free-kick routine involving Rayan Cherki. Italy responded 13 minutes later, with Alessandro Bastoni capitalising on uncertainty in the French defence to restore parity. France continued to create pressure, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced several important saves to keep Italy level. The hosts’ task became tougher late on when Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 85th minute. Despite playing with 10 men, France pushed for a winner but Italy held firm to secure a valuable point. France remain top of Group A1 with seven points.
Italy's Nicolo Barella, centre, and France's Ousmane Dembele, left, challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
Italy's Gianluca Scamacca, left, and France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
Italy's Moise Kean, right, and France's Dayot Upamecano challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
Italy's fans reacts after France's Michael Olise scored the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma makes a save of a shoot by France's Ousmane Dembele, right, during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
France's Michael Olise, right, and Italy's Sandro Tonali challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
France's Desire Doue, right, and Italy's Davide Frattesi challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
France's Adrien Rabiot reacts during the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
France's team players pose for a picture before the UEFA Nations League Group A soccer match between France and Italy in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. | Photo: AP/Teresa Suarez
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