Esposito Strikes Twice as Italy Come From Behind to Beat France 3-1 and End Zidane’s Unbeaten Start

Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, handing Zinedine Zidane his first defeat since taking charge of Les Bleus.

France had taken an early lead after a costly error from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was punished by Michael Olise, but the hosts roared back — Pio Esposito levelled and then completed his double with a late penalty, either side of Davide Frattesi’s second-half winner.

The result lifts Italy to the top of Group A1 on 10 points, level with France but ahead on head-to-head record, and gives Roberto Mancini’s side their first home win over France since 1962. It was also Italy’s fourth match unbeaten in the coach’s second spell in charge.

France missing their captain

France were without Kylian Mbappe, sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Zidane’s unbeaten start is over at the worst possible moment — with Belgium, just one point behind in third, hosting Italy on Sunday while France face Turkey at home.

A group wide open

With Italy, France and Belgium separated by a single point heading into the final round, qualification for the quarter-finals in Group A1 will go right down to the last whistle.

Source: The Guardian