France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in the Nations League on Friday, as the Azzurri recovered from conceding first to take a point and spoil Zinedine Zidane’s long-awaited reunion with the side so closely linked to one of the most significant nights of his playing career.
The result leaves France top of the first group with seven points, while Italy move to four points in third place.
The match carried added significance because it was Zidane’s first encounter with Italy since the 2006 World Cup final, although this time he was involved from outside the pitch rather than as a player.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock during a goalless first half, but France took the lead 10 minutes after the interval. Michael Oliseh produced a powerful finish in the 55th minute, his effort striking the crossbar before finding the net and giving the hosts the advantage.
France continued to look dangerous as they sought to build on their lead, but Italy responded in the 68th minute through Alessandro Bastoni.
The Italy defender won the ball impressively, advanced towards the penalty area and finished past Mike Maignan to bring the visitors level. The goal changed the momentum of the contest, with both teams increasing their attacking efforts in search of a winner.
Neither goalkeeper was prepared to give way in the decisive moments. France came close to restoring their lead when Ousmane Dembele threatened Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal, but the Italy goalkeeper produced an important save.
Desire Doue then struck a fierce effort that appeared capable of putting France back in front. Donnarumma again reacted well to keep it out and preserve Italy’s hopes of taking something from the match.
Italy also had opportunities to claim all three points. Moise Kean came close to scoring a second goal for the visitors, but Maignan intervened at the crucial moment with an excellent save to prevent the Azzurri from completing a comeback victory.
The draw revived memories of the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin, when France and Italy also finished 1-1 after extra time before Italy won the trophy in a penalty shootout.
That match remains one of the most painful episodes of Zidane’s career. He was sent off in extra time after headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi, bringing his final appearance for France to an abrupt end.
Almost 20 years later, Italy again denied Zidane a victory, this time by preventing France from celebrating in front of their home crowd. The circumstances were different, but the Azzurri once more played a central role in a notable night involving the former France captain.
