Italy end 64-year wait with historic comeback win over France

Italy have ended a 64-year wait for a home victory over France, producing an impressive 3-1 comeback triumph at the San Siro on Thursday night to take control of UEFA Nations League

Roberto Mancini’s side recovered from an early setback to secure their first home win against Les Bleus since May 1962, when Italy recorded a 2-1 friendly victory in Florence.

The latest result also ended France’s run of three consecutive victories on Italian soil, giving the Azzurri a landmark result in one of international football’s historic rivalries.

France made the brighter start in Milan, taking the lead in the 10th minute after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The Italian goalkeeper’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Michael Olise, who capitalised on the error to put France ahead.

Italy responded in the 26th minute when Nicolò Cambiaghi delivered a low cross into the penalty area, allowing Francesco Pio Esposito to finish and restore parity.

The teams went into half-time level at 1-1, despite France enjoying more possession and creating several dangerous opportunities.

Italy stepped up their performance after the break and eventually took the lead in the 63rd minute. Substitute Federico Dimarco delivered a cross from the left, which Davide Frattesi converted to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.

Francesco Pio Esposito then completed his brace in the 75th minute, converting a penalty after Antonio Vergara was fouled by Dayot Upamecano inside the box.

The victory came after Sebastiano Esposito had missed an earlier penalty for Italy in the 60th minute.

The defeat also ended an unusual run for France. France had not lost a competitive match after scoring first since September 2024, when Italy also defeated them 3-1.

On that occasion, Bradley Barcola scored just 13 seconds into the encounter in Paris, but goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori completed Italy’s comeback.

France subsequently avoided defeat after taking the lead against Italy in October 2026, drawing 1-1. However, Thursday’s defeat at San Siro means Italy have once again ended that particular run.

The result moves Italy to the top of League A Group 1 with 10 points, level with France but ahead on their head-to-head record. Belgium remain in contention with nine points following their 2-1 victory over Turkey.

Italy now need to secure their qualification for the quarter-finals in their final group fixture against Belgium in Brussels.

Roberto Mancini also celebrated a significant victory in his second spell as Italy manager, while the result handed Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France head coach.