The highly anticipated match between France and Italy took place on October 2, 2026, at the Stade de France. France, currently leading Group A with 6 points from two wins against Turkey and Belgium, aimed to continue their winning streak. Italy, sitting third with 3 points after a loss to Belgium and a win against Turkey, sought to bounce back. The match was a significant event in the competition, with both teams eager to secure a win.
The match began with both teams creating scoring opportunities. In the fifth minute, both teams were pressing hard to gain control of the game, with the atmosphere in the Stade de France being electric. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save in the eighth minute to deny France's first goal. As the game progressed, France held 51% possession, with Italy at 49%.
The first half saw several key moments, including a save by Donnarumma from a powerful shot by French player Dembélé in the 37th minute. Italy's Frattesi also had a close chance, but his shot narrowly missed the post. In the 41st minute, Italy's Moise Kean appeared to score, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. The first half ended scoreless, with France dominating possession but Italy creating more scoring chances.
The second half began with France launching a strong attack. In the 49th minute, Donnarumma made a double save, first from Duwé and then from Dembélé. However, he couldn't prevent France's first goal, as Michael Olise scored from a free kick outside the box in the 55th minute. This goal gave France a 1-0 lead.
Italy responded strongly, with Alessandro Bastoni equalizing for Italy in the 68th minute after a defensive error by France. The match was now level at 1-1. Both teams continued to create chances, with Donnarumma making another crucial save from a Rabiot shot in the 70th minute.
The match took a dramatic turn when French player Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 85th minute. Italy's Sebastian Esposito and Lorenzo Frattesi made substitutions, bringing on Giacomo Bonaventura and Domenico D'Ambrosio. France also made changes, with Eduardo Camavinga and Bradley Barcola replacing Duwé and Rayan Cherki.
Despite being a man down, France managed to hold on for a draw against Italy, which ended 1-1. The result had implications for the group standings, with France still leading but Italy gaining a crucial point. The match was a testament to the competitive nature of the UEFA Nations League.
Key points
- France and Italy drew 1-1 in their UEFA Nations League match.
- The match saw several key moments, including goals from Michael Olise and Alessandro Bastoni.
- Dayot Upamecano's red card in the 85th minute changed the dynamics of the game.
