Olise scores at 88', Da Cunha hits post: Zidane leads Montella's Bleus

On a Nations League evening France secured its second consecutive win, while Italy dominated its match; at Re Baldovino France celebrated the result and at Montella Italy consolidated its step towards qualification.

The group and the standings

The Nations League group consists of France, Italy and Turkey; the 1‑0 win against Belgium left France at the top of its group. The result confirms the Bleus' supremacy ahead of the big clash against Italy, scheduled for Friday.

The match against Belgium

In the match played in Brussels, France beat Belgium with the same 1‑0 score, thanks to Michael Olise's goal in the 88th minute. Olise came on in the 77th minute for Bradley Barcola and finished the move with a precise left-footed shot. The result secured three valuable points for the transalpine side.

Zidane's changes

Zinedine Zidane made nine changes compared to the lineup against Turkey, introducing Esteban Lepaul, Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha. Only Maignan and Lacroix kept their places in the squad. Among the starters, Désiré Doué took on greater responsibilities in the absence of injured Kylian Mbappé.

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Michael Olise, coming from PSG, was the most dangerous: he hit the crossbar in the 12th minute, and brushed past the lead on three other occasions in the 52nd, 56th and 62nd minutes. Lucas Da Cunha's post was the other standout element in the second half.

Meanwhile, Italy, led by Montella, beat Turkey 4‑1. The Italian goals were scored by Alessandro Bastoni in the 9th minute, Davide Frattesi in the 22nd and Michael Kayode in the 27th, followed by Francesco Pio Esposito in the 50th. Turkey replied with Baris Yilmaz in the 47th. Issa Doumbia of Sporting came on in the 63rd minute.

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The next fixture sees France and Italy face each other at the Stade de France on Friday at 20:45, a decisive clash for qualification. Zidane expressed enthusiasm for the team's good form, while Montella prepares his lineup for the big match.