Italy's fresh start fails, France's Zidane debut shines in Turkey

Italy started its Nations League season with a defeat against Belgium, while France on the same matchday in Turkey crowned Zinédine Zidane’s debut with a narrow win. Roberto Mancini, who had returned after a brief Saudi stint, saw his team lose 0‑2 (0‑1), while Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal for the Tricolour side before injuring his left knee.

Italy’s botched restart

At Rome’s Olympic Stadium, Mika Godts of Paris Saint‑Germain gave the Belgians the lead already in the 20th minute. Dodi Lukebakio doubled the score in the 69th minute after coming on, making it 0‑2. Despite a stronger second half, the Italian defence remained ineffective in front of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens. After the match, Mancini told Rai: “The whistles are understandable. The first half fell short of expectations, but after the break we played very well – up to that counter that made it 2‑0.”

Zidane debut with a narrow lead

France’s new coach Zinédine Zidane experienced a heated duel in Kocaeli. Captain Mbappé was whistled at for every touch of the ball, and referee Felix Zwayer had his hands full. Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano formed the Bayern duo in the starting eleven. In the 54th minute, Mbappé skillfully turned Olise’s pass and put France in the lead. Shortly after, he limped, grabbed his left knee and had to be substituted after five minutes.

Mancini disappointed, Belgium imposes its game on Italy

Tensions and outlook

Towards the end of the match, Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakır committed a handball outside the penalty area in the 87th minute, which Zwayer punished with a red card. Despite this advantage, France could not extend the lead. The two nations meet again on Monday – Belgium versus France and Italy versus Turkey – before a direct duel in Saint‑Denis on Friday brings the two football heavyweights together.

Nations League Italy-Belgium: whistles at the Belgian anthem, applause for the Italian anthem