Zidane lifts France to first place, Italy responds

A goal‑filled evening closed the Nations League, with France under Zinédine Zidane and Italy under Roberto Mancini starring in League A. In Belgium the Bleus secured three points, while the Azzurri responded with a clear victory against Turkey.

In Brussels, France, after the measuring success in Turkey, beat Belgium 1‑0. Zidane's side, profoundly renewed with nine changes in the starting eleven, found the decisive goal in the 88th minute thanks to Michael Olise, securing first place in the group.

Italy dominates Turkey

Italy overwhelmed Turkey 4‑1. Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Davide Frattesi in the 22nd and Michael Kayode in the 27th. After the Turkish equaliser by Yilmaz in the 47th, Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the match in the 51st.

Italian coach Montella was heavily criticised and is at risk of losing his job, despite the victory. Roberto Mancini's side, in fact, displayed incisive play from the first minute.

Ricci excluded, Kean seeks goals: clashes between Italy and France

Other results in Leagues B and C

In League B the goalless draws between Northern Ireland and Hungary and between Georgia and Ukraine left the teams hanging. Romania and Bosnia provided a spectacle, with Bosnia winning 4‑2 thanks to Gigovic, Muharemovic, Tabakovic and Mahmic.

In League C Montenegro secured a hard‑fought away victory against Armenia, with Krstovic still featuring in the 38th minute. Armenia responded with two own goals and an own goal, but remained scoreless. Sweden fared well, beating Poland 3‑1 with goals from Nygren, Ayari and Gyokeres.

Italy seeks revival in Turkey under a Klopp-style revolution

The line‑ups saw numerous substitutions: in Belgium Moreira (Milan) was replaced in the 63rd minute, while in France Maignan (Milan) was substituted in the 90th. In Italy Celik's (Juventus) substitution came in the 90th minute. Other notable changes include Karlstrom (Udinese) coming on in the 89th for Sweden and Krstovic (Atalanta) in the 90th for Montenegro.