Italy defeats France 3-1 in Nations League A group stage

In a decisive UEFA Nations League A group stage match held on November 12, 2026, Italy secured a 3-1 comeback victory against France. Although Michael Olise gave France an early lead in the 10th minute, Italy responded effectively through Pio Esposito to equalize before halftime. Despite Sebastiano Esposito missing a penalty in the 60th minute, Davide Frattesi scored to put Italy ahead three minutes later, and Pio Esposito secured the final score with a successful penalty conversion in the 75th minute. France was hampered by hitting the goalpost twice throughout the match.

With this result, Italy moves to the top of the group standings with 10 points, tied with France but leading on head-to-head records, while Belgium follows with 9 points. The group outcome remains wide open heading into the final matchday, which features France against Turkey and Belgium against Italy. This fixture marked a significant tactical success for Italy's manager, Roberto Mancini, effectively neutralizing Zinedine Zidane’s French side to alter the qualification landscape of the tournament.