Zinedine Zidane’s unbeaten run as France’s head coach came to a halt as his team drew 1-1 with Italy in their UEFA Nations League match at the Stade de France on October 2. Despite holding a numerical advantage in the final minutes after a red card, France were unable to secure a win on home soil against the same side Zidane faced in his last international outing as a player.

France entered the match with two consecutive wins under Zidane’s leadership, having defeated Turkey and Belgium 1-0 away from home. Michael Olise gave the hosts the lead early in the second half with a well-placed shot following a free-kick sequence. However, Italy responded in the 68th minute when Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a French defensive error, intercepting a misplaced pass and scoring past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The match saw moments of strong attacking play from both sides. France controlled possession during much of the first half but struggled to convert dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Italy’s chance came early through Moise Kean, whose attempt was saved by Maignan. France also maintained pressure on Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the second half, with Olise and Ousmane Dembele both denied by the keeper.

France’s Dayot Upamecano was shown a second yellow card late in the game, reducing the hosts to 10 players for the final five minutes. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Italy’s defense held firm, and France were unable to find a late winner.

Zidane, who made his coaching debut with France earlier this year, expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance but lamented the missed opportunity to secure a victory. “I am happy with the performance albeit not with the result. We had chances to score a second goal and we didn’t do it. But I am really proud of my players,” he said after the match, adding that it was an emotional return to the Stade de France.

Italy manager Roberto Mancini highlighted the positives from his team’s display against one of the world’s top sides. “This was a great performance tonight against one of the best teams in the world, with very positive aspects to it. We are on the right road, and we need to keep playing this way,” Mancini said.

The draw leaves France still competing for top positioning in their Nations League group, while Italy will look to build on the result as they continue their campaign.