Brief
France and Italy share a 1-1 draw in Zidane’s first home match
Zidane’s first home game as France coach ended in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Italy, highlighted by Donnarumma’s saves and a late sending‑off.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Zinedine Zidane’s first home match in charge of France concluded with a 1-1 draw against Italy in the Nations League on Friday, according to the Independent.
What happened
Michael Olise opened the scoring in the 55th minute after a short free‑kick from Rayan Cherki, curling a shot from 20 metres past the Italian defence. Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy midway through the second half with a low strike that clipped the right post. The match ended with France reduced to ten men after Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card and was sent off late in the game.
What the reports add
The Independent highlighted Gianluigi Donnarumma’s impact, noting a double save from Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué early in the second half and a low save that denied Adrien Rabiot after Italy’s equaliser. It also described the stadium atmosphere, including a roar when Zidane’s name was announced and fans chanting “Zizou, Zizou”.
What was said
A woman speaking over the stadium’s public address system welcomed fans to “Zinedine Zidane’s first game in charge”. The article also referenced Zidane’s earlier comments that Italy remained a dangerous side despite recent poor results.
How it came about
Zidane took over the France national team after the 2026 World Cup, replacing Didier Deschamps. His first two matches were 1‑0 victories over Turkey and Belgium, both away, before facing Italy at the Stade de France.
Key facts
- France drew 1-1 with Italy in the Nations League at Stade de France (independent.co.uk)
- Michael Olise scored for France in the 55th minute after a free‑kick by Rayan Cherki (independent.co.uk)
- Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy with a low shot inside the right post (independent.co.uk)
- Dayot Upamecano was sent off with a second yellow card late in the match (independent.co.uk)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma made multiple key saves, including from Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “How Donnarumma’s excellence denied Zidane win in first home game as France boss”
