Zinédine Zidane made his debut as the new national coach of the French national team. In their first game of the Nations League, the “Équipe tricolore” won 1-0 (0-0) in Turkey thanks to Kylian Mbappé. The Italian national team lost 0-2 (0-1) at home against Belgium.
Zidane had to watch as his team only created their first compelling chances to score shortly before the break. In the 54th minute, Kylian Mbappé redeemed his coach, the World Cup top scorer met a pass from Bayern striker Michael Olise to take the lead 1-0. Mbappé injured his left knee and tried to continue playing, but had to be substituted shortly afterwards.
In the 87th minute, Turkish goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was shown red when he stormed out of the box and played the ball with his upper arm. Despite being in the majority, the French were unable to add any more.
Italy with a false start against Belgium
The Italian national team made a false start at the start of the Nations League and lost 0-2 (0-1) at home to Belgium. After a disappointing performance in the first half, the “Squadra Azzurra” was booed in front of the home crowd at the Olympiastadtion in Rome.
Mika Godts (20th) let three Italians miss the Belgian lead in the first half, Dodi Lukebakio (69th) scored eleven minutes after coming on to make it 2-0. After the break, the Italians acted stronger, but were repeatedly denied by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
France and Italy will meet next Friday, when Zidane will make his home debut as France coach in Saint-Denis.