Bastoni earns Italy a draw as France finish with 10 men in Nations League

Alessandro Bastoni scored Italy’s equaliser in a 1-1 Nations League draw with France at the Stade de France on Friday, denying Zinedine Zidane victory in his first home match as national-team coach. AS reported that the defender capitalised on a French midfield error after Michael Olise had given the hosts the lead with a second-half strike.

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Italy had threatened before either goal. CNN Brasil reported that Michael Kayode supplied Moise Kean inside the penalty area in the eighth minute, but Mike Maignan stopped the striker’s close-range attempt and diverted the ball for a corner. The chance offered the visitors an early route into the match, although they could not turn it into an advantage.

Gianluigi Donnarumma then played a decisive role in keeping France out after the interval. According to Cadena SER, he denied Désiré Doué with a low save before recovering to stop Ousmane Dembélé from close range. Those interventions prevented the hosts from immediately turning their increased attacking pressure into a lead as the second half began.

The breakthrough nevertheless came from a rehearsed free-kick move. CNN Brasil described Rayan Cherki moving the ball sideways to Olise, who struck towards the top corner. The ball hit the crossbar on its way in, finally beating Donnarumma and rewarding a period in which France had pushed harder for the opening goal.

Italy’s reply followed a mistake as France tried to play out. Lucas da Cunha received a pass from Adrien Rabiot but lost possession to Bastoni, who advanced into the area and finished past Maignan. CNN Brasil reported that the defender’s intervention brought Italy level after the home side had appeared to take control of the contest.

France ended with 10 players after Upamecano received a second yellow card for holding Kean, Cadena SER reported. Donnarumma also denied an effort from Eduardo Camavinga to preserve the draw. France remained unbeaten and top of Group A1, according to CNN Brasil, with Belgium second after beating Turkey and Italy in third place.