+34
France drew 1-1 with Italy in the Nations League at Stade de France in Zinedine Zidane's first home match as coach, with Michael Olise scoring and Alessandro Bastoni equalizing.
Zinedine Zidane's first home game in charge of France ended in a 1-1 draw against Italy in the Nations League on Friday at Stade de France in Saint-Denis near Paris.
The match was played on October 2, 2026, and French fans saw an exciting game but not the result they expected. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the main reason France did not win. He made several key saves, including a double stop from Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue early in the second half. He also produced a brilliant low save to deny Adrien Rabiot moments after Italy's equalizer.
Olise Scores But Italy Equalizes
Michael Olise put France ahead in the 55th minute with a curling shot from 20 meters that went in off the crossbar. The goal followed a short free kick taken by Rayan Cherki. Poor defending midway through the second half allowed central defender Alessandro Bastoni to run through and clip a low shot inside the right post for Italy. After the match, Zidane said he was disappointed for the players because they deserved better.
He said they had chances to kill the game off but did not take them, and that football is like that sometimes. He also said it was encouraging and that he was proud of how they played. When Zidane's name was read out by the stadium announcer after the teams were announced, a roar filled Stade de France. Fans then broke out into chants of Zizou, Zizou, the affectionate nickname Zidane is known by among French soccer fans.
One banner read Bienvenue Chez Toi, which means Welcome Home. Zidane said the ovation was touching and that they would have loved to give the stadium and the whole nation a victory, but it was not to be. Zidane's appointment as national team coach has been met with a wave of enthusiasm. A train station close to the stadium even had a message waiting for those arriving.
Zidane Returns To Stade de France
A woman said over the public address system, Welcome to Zinedine Zidane's first game in charge. The 54-year-old Zidane was appointed France coach after the World Cup, replacing Didier Deschamps. He won his first two games 1-0, away to Turkey and Belgium in the Nations League, with Olise scoring a solo winner against the Belgians.
Zidane was facing Italy for the first time since his infamous headbutt in the final of the 2006 World Cup, which saw him sent off in extra time in the last game of his stellar career. The stadium itself holds special value to Zidane. He scored the first goal in a friendly against Spain when Stade de France was inaugurated in January 1998.
His two powerful headers later that year helped France win the World Cup for the first time with a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final. For returning Italy coach Roberto Mancini there are signs of improvement. His new tenure began with a 2-0 home loss to Belgium, followed by a 4-1 win at Turkey and now a solid performance against a World Cup semifinalist.
France Keeps Nations League Lead
France tops their League A group with seven points, followed by Belgium on six following a 3-0 win in Turkey. Les Bleus face Belgium at Stade de France on Monday. During one first half attack, Zidane crouched over with his hands on his knees as if trying to get a closer look. He then gesticulated with his hands to direct the move, even though his players had their backs to him.
Zidane had said before the game that Italy remains a dangerous side, even despite poor recent results. Striker Moise Kean missed a close-range chance early on for Italy, shooting straight at goalkeeper Mike Maignan from meters out. After France defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off late in the game for picking up a second yellow card, Donnarumma superbly clawed away Eduardo Camavinga's shot in stoppage time. The draw leaves France still top of their Nations League group.
Zidane's first home game did not bring the victory the fans wanted, but the team showed encouraging signs under their new coach.
Please follow us on Google to support us
CTVNews
CTVToronto:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Zinedine Zidane France National Team Italy National Team UEFA Nations League Stade De France
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Twenty years after his infamous World Cup final headbutt, Zidane faces Italy again as France coachDeep into extra time in the 2006 World Cup final, France star Zinedine Zidane planted a firm headbutt right into the chest of Italy defender Marco Materazzi. The force sent Materazzi flying backward and Zidane’s stellar career ended with a red card.
Read more »
Klopp gets first Germany win, Portugal moves on from Ronaldo in Nations LeagueJürgen Klopp got his first win as Germany coach and Portugal did just fine without Cristiano Ronaldo in the Nations League on Thursday.
Read more »
Zidane's First Home Game as France Coach Ends 1-1 Against ItalyFrance drew 1-1 with Italy in the Nations League in Zinedine Zidane's first home game in charge, with Michael Olise scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma starring for Italy.
Read more »