Italy Stun France To End 64-Year Home Drought, Hand Zinedine Zidane First Defeat

Italy came from behind to defeat France 3-1 at San Siro, handing Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France head coach and moving top of their Nations League group. Michael Olise put France ahead in the 10th minute after a Gianluigi Donnarumma error, but Francesco Pio Esposito equalised before half-time. Davide Frattesi gave Italy the lead in the 63rd minute before Esposito converted a penalty in the 75th to complete his brace, after brother Sebastiano had earlier missed from the spot. The victory marked Italy's first home win over France since 1962, with both sides level on 10 points at the top of Group A1, Italy leading on head-to-head record.

France's Adrian Rabiot, right, reacts as Italy won the match during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

France's head coach Zinedine Zidane reacts after France loses the match after the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

Italy's Federico Dimarco leaps to control the ball in front of France's Adrien Rabiot during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: Spada/LaPresse via AP

France's Rayan Cherki, right, and Sebastiano Esposito battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

Italy's Federico Dimarco, right, and France's Sael Kumbedi battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

Italy's Pio Esposito celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

Italy's Davide Frattesi celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

France's Kiylian Mbappe reacts in the team dugout during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

Italy's Pio Esposito, left, is fouled by France's Jeremy Jacquet during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

Italy's Sandro Tonali, left top, heads the ball as France's Desire Doue looks on during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni