Italy Come From Behind to Beat France 3-1 and End 64-Year Home-Win Drought
Italy produced a brilliant comeback to defeat France 3-1 at the San Siro on Thursday night, November 12, ending a 64-year wait for a home victory over their rivals and moving to the top of their UEFA Nations League group.
It was a memorable night for the Azzurri, who had to recover from an early setback after France took the lead through Michael Olise in the 10th minute. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s misplaced pass gifted Olise the opportunity, and the French forward made no mistake in putting the visitors ahead.
Italy responded well and gradually found their rhythm. Their equaliser arrived in the 26th minute when Nicolò Cambiaghi delivered an excellent ball into the box for Francesco Pio Esposito, who finished neatly to bring the home supporters back to life.
Both sides created opportunities before the break, but the score remained level at half-time.
The second half brought even more drama. Italy had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Cambiaghi was brought down in the penalty area, but Sebastiano Esposito sent his spot-kick over the crossbar.
That missed opportunity did not affect Italy’s confidence for long. Just three minutes later, Federico Dimarco delivered a dangerous cross into the area, and Davide Frattesi finished brilliantly to put Italy 2-1 ahead in the 63rd minute.
France tried to respond, but Italy had another opportunity to extend their advantage when Antonio Vergara was fouled inside the box. This time, Francesco Pio Esposito stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 75th minute, completing his brace and putting the result beyond doubt.
The victory was particularly significant because France had not lost away to Italy since 1962. It was also a first defeat for Zinedine Zidane since taking charge of the French national team.
Italy now move to the top of Group A1 with 10 points, level with France but ahead on their head-to-head record.
For Italy, this was more than just another Nations League victory. It was a statement performance against one of Europe’s strongest national teams, and one their supporters will remember for a long time.
