France celebrates Zidane debut in Nations League, Italy hears whistle

In the context of the Nations League, France secured a 1 : 0 away win in Turkey, while Italy lost at home to Belgium 0 : 2. The victory marked the debut of Zinédine Zidane as the French national team coach, but Kylian Mbappé had to be substituted after his goal due to an injury to his left knee.

Zidane debut and Mbappé's goal

In the 54th minute, Michael Olise delivered the ball into the penalty area and set up Kylian Mbappé, who cleanly converted it to give the 1‑0 lead. It was his 67th goal for the French national team. Shortly afterwards he suffered an injury to his left knee, tried to continue playing and was subsequently substituted. Fans could follow the action live via the official app.

Italy's shaky start under Mancini

Italy began at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome with Roberto Mancini returning as national team coach, but the side was already down 0‑1 to Belgium at half‑time. After a brief pause Belgium extended the lead through Dodi Lukebakio to the final score of 0‑2. The match was accompanied by loud whistles from the home crowd, underscoring the difficult situation of the “Squadra Azzurra”. Mancini’s debut therefore did not go as hoped.

Zidane's debut sparks France win while Belgium silence Italy in Rome

Further scenes and individual events

In the footage, Abdülkerim Bardakci from Turkey and Ousmane Dembele from France battle for the ball. In the 87th minute, Turkish goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır saw red after he played the ball out of the penalty area with his upper arm. Mika Godts, who was substituted in for Belgium in the 20th minute, attacked three Italian defenders and contributed to the early opening goal.

Eleven minutes after his substitution, Dodi Lukebakio, overseen by Mark van Bommel, scored Belgium’s second goal. Italy tried to be more aggressive after the break, but repeatedly failed against Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Despite numerical superiority, France could not add any further goals thereafter.

Nations League Zidane steers France past Turkey as Italy stumble

Zidane can look ahead to the next Nations‑League matches with confidence after the successful debut, while Mancini must react quickly after the poor start to get the Italian side back on track.