Italy Secures Impressive 1-1 Draw Against France in Nations League

Italy achieved a notable 1-1 draw in Paris against France. Alessandro Bastoni scored Italy's goal, canceling out Michael Olise's opener. France's Dayot Upamecano was sent off late in the match.

Changes were made to the Italian lineup from their previous match. Riccardo Calafiori returned at left-back, and Moise Kean started in place of the injured Giacomo Raspadori. Nicolò Barella was surprisingly not in the starting midfield, despite playing against Belgium. Michael Kayode kept his place at right-back following a strong debut performance.

France, who had won their previous Nations League games 1-0 away, were without the injured Kylian Mbappé. Coach Zinedine Zidane included Lucas Da Cunha and Pierre Kalulu in his starting XI, omitting Manu Koné. Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot also featured.

Early in the game, Italy had a significant chance when Michael Kayode's cross found Moise Kean, but his close-range shot was saved by Maignan.

France threatened with a deflected cross that struck the crossbar. Sebastiano Esposito also missed a chance in a promising position.

Ousmane Dembélé scored, but was flagged offside. Italy had two more strong opportunities before halftime. Davide Frattesi's shot was deflected wide, and Moise Kean found the net from a corner, only to be ruled offside.

After the break, France continued to push. Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial double save to deny them. He was then called into action again to save Michael Olise's curling effort.

The deadlock was broken by France. A free-kick from Rayan Cherki was flicked on, leading to a powerful strike from Michael Olise that deflected off the wall and found the net.

Antonio Vergara made his debut for Italy, and Moise Kean shifted to a central forward role. This change paid off. During a counter-attack, Dayot Upamecano was dispossessed by Alessandro Bastoni, who advanced from defense and scored from the edge of the box. This goal marked the first time France conceded against Italy since a 0-0 draw in September 2007.

Donnarumma then made a vital save from Adrien Rabiot's shot. Desiré Doué's penalty appeal was dismissed after a collision with Nicolò Barella.

Italy came close to scoring again when Moise Kean's header was tipped onto the crossbar by Maignan. Donnarumma also saved a strong shot from Eduardo Camavinga.

France finished the match with ten players. Dayot Upamecano received two yellow cards, the second for wrestling Moise Kean to the ground.

Nicolò Barella had a chance from a deflected cross but shot over. In stoppage time, Donnarumma denied Camavinga again, and Bastoni made a crucial sliding tackle on Olise, with French penalty appeals turned down.