Italy beat France 3–1 as Pio Esposito scores twice and Frattesi adds another in the UEFA Nations League. Read the San Siro match report and highlights.
Introduction:
Italy came from behind to beat France 3–1 at San Siro in Milan on November 12, 2026, strengthening their hopes of reaching the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice, including a second-half penalty, while Davide Frattesi added another goal for Roberto Mancini’s side. Michael Olise had put France ahead after just ten minutes, but the visitors could not protect their advantage. The Matchday 5 result lifted Italy to the top of League A Group A1 before the final round of fixtures.
Italy vs France: How the Match Began
France started sharply, with Adrien Rabiot forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into an early save. The Italian goalkeeper then made a costly mistake while trying to play out from the back, allowing Olise to score in the tenth minute.
Italy needed a response and found it through Esposito in the 26th minute. Nicolò Cambiaghi delivered a low ball into the area, and the striker got ahead of Dayot Upamecano to finish from close range. The goal levelled the home side, but France kept the pressure on.
See also: Calafiori and Esposito Strike 3-1 as Italy Beats Türkiye
Bradley Barcola almost restored the visitors’ lead when his curling effort struck the post. France enjoyed more of the ball and created the greater number of first-half chances, yet the teams went into the interval locked at 1–1.
Key Goals and Turning Points
The second half brought another series of important moments. Rayan Cherki tested Donnarumma, who pushed a powerful shot onto the post. At the other end, Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto inside the penalty area, giving Italy an opportunity to move ahead.
Sebastiano Esposito took the spot-kick in the 60th minute but sent his attempt wide. The missed chance might have unsettled Italy, yet the home side recovered almost immediately.
Frattesi and Esposito Seal Italy’s Comeback
Federico Dimarco, introduced from the bench, supplied a low cross that Frattesi converted in the 63rd minute. The midfielder’s first-time finish put Italy 2–1 ahead and rewarded a stronger second-half showing.
Twelve minutes later, another substitute, Antonio Vergara, was brought down by Upamecano after taking advantage of a defensive error. Pio Esposito stepped up for Italy’s second penalty and scored in the 75th minute, completing his double and establishing a two-goal cushion.
Standout Performers and Tactical Analysis
Esposito was the standout player, scoring both the equaliser and the goal that settled the contest. His first international brace also took his Italy tally to nine goals in 14 appearances.
Cambiaghi contributed the assist for the equaliser and won Italy’s first penalty. Dimarco made an immediate impact after coming on, while Frattesi timed his movement well to finish the decisive second goal.
France had 65% possession and recorded 18 attempts compared with Italy’s 11, according to match statistics. However, both teams had five shots on target. The figures underline how efficiently Italy made use of their chances, particularly after half-time.
What the Result Means for Nations League Qualification
The victory left Italy and France on ten points, with Belgium one point behind in a tightly contested Group A1. Italy moved into first place before the final matchday and could secure a quarter-final spot with a draw against Belgium in Brussels. Winning that match would guarantee first place in the group.
France, meanwhile, faced Türkiye in their final group fixture, knowing the race for the two qualification places remained open.
Conclusion
Italy’s comeback against France was built on a quick response to an early setback, useful contributions from substitutes and clinical finishing at key moments. Esposito’s two goals provided the headline, but Frattesi’s strike was equally important in turning a level match into an Italian lead. With qualification still to be settled, the result gave Mancini’s team a strong position heading into the final round of Nations League matches.