Italy beats France 3-1 in Milan to lead Nations League group
Italy defeated France 3-1 at San Siro, securing the top spot in Group A1 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
Key points
- Michael Olise scored first for France in the 10th minute.
- Pio Esposito and Barcola gave Italy a 2-1 lead before Cherki pulled one back for France.
- Italy finished with two penalties, one from Frattesi and another from Esposito, to win 3-1.
- The win puts Italy ahead of France on goal difference, with both teams tied on ten points.
- France will face Turkey next, while Italy will play Belgium.
Italy 3-1 France in UEFA Nations League
On Thursday 12 November 2026, Italy defeated France 3–1 at the San Siro in Milan during Matchday 5 of Group A1 in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
Michael Olise opened the scoring for France in the 10th minute.
Italy equalised through Pio Esposito in the 26th minute, followed by a goal from Barcola in the 35th minute.
France reduced the deficit when Cherki scored in the 53rd minute.
Italy restored the lead with a penalty by Frattesi in the 63rd minute and extended it with a penalty conversion by Pio Esposito in the 75th minute.
Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty for Italy in the 60th minute.
The victory gave Italy ten points with a +5 goal difference, placing them top of the group ahead of France, who also have ten points but a +4 goal difference.
France remain second and will face Turkey in their final group match in Bordeaux, while Italy will play Belgium on the last matchday.
Your questions, answered
How did Italy secure the top spot in the Nations League group?
Italy’s 3-1 win over France gave them ten points and a +5 goal difference, placing them above France who also had ten points but a +4 goal difference.
Who scored for Italy in the match against France?
Pio Esposito, Frattesi, and a second penalty by Esposito scored for Italy.
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