Zinedine Zidane Laments Missed Opportunity After France Held to Draw by Italy in Nations League

Zinedine Zidane's perfect start to his tenure as France manager came to an end when his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in the Uefa Nations League at the Stade de France. France had previously secured away victories against both Turkey and Belgium during Zidane's opening two fixtures, but they found the going tough on home soil.

Michael Olise put the French ahead 10 minutes after the break, before Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy. “I'm very disappointed for the players because we deserved better,” Zidane told TF1. “But I'm proud of them, the effort, the pressing, they were exemplary.” Zidane noted that his team performed better than the final scoreline suggested, stating they could have easily secured a second goal prior to Italy's equalizer.

This home fixture carried historical resonance for Zidane, coming against the same opposition he faced in his final international match as a player during the 2006 World Cup final.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini reflected on the tactical battle, telling RAI, “We knew it would be a very difficult match, but we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession.”

In other Uefa Nations League action, Robert Lewandowski netted a brilliant hat-trick to help Poland cruise past 10-man Romania with a 6-0 victory in Group B4. Radu Dragusin received a red card in the first half for a foul on Lewandowski, allowing the Polish captain to convert the opening penalty. Lewandowski added two more goals later in the match.

Meanwhile, Belgium secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Turkey in Group A1. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 10th minute, added a second on the hour mark, and substitute Romelu Lukaku rounded off the scoring with his 94th international goal.

Elsewhere, Bosnia's Edin Dzeko marked his 152nd and final international appearance during a 1-1 home draw against Sweden. Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring for Sweden before Kerim Alajbegovic equalised late in the game, allowing the 40-year-old Dzeko to receive a standing ovation and guard of honour when he was substituted.