France vs Italy Ends 1-1 as Bastoni Spoils Zidane’s Homecoming
France vs Italy delivered a dramatic finish at the Stade de France on Friday, October 2, 2026, as Italy fought back for a 1-1 draw in Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France coach on home soil. Michael Olise opened the scoring with a spectacular free kick, but Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a French defensive mistake to level the match. However, the night took an even tougher turn for France when Dayot Upamecano was sent off five minutes from the end.
Why This France vs Italy Match Mattered So Much
This wasn’t just another group-stage fixture. France vs Italy carried deep personal significance for Zidane, who hadn’t played an international match on French soil since his dramatic exit from the 2006 World Cup final.
Here’s why the occasion felt so charged:
- It marked Zidane’s first home match since his infamous headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi in that 2006 final.
- France entered unbeaten under Zidane, having won their first two matches 1-0 against Belgium and Turkey.
- A win would have made Zidane just the third France coach to win his first three matches in charge, and the first since 1984 to keep three straight clean sheets.
Additionally, fans unveiled a “Zizou” mosaic before kickoff, reflecting the emotional weight of Zidane’s return to the stadium where his playing career once soared.
How the Goals Happened
Olise’s Opener
France vs Italy stayed scoreless through a difficult first half, with Italy actually creating the better early chances despite playing away from home. However, Michael Olise broke the deadlock in the second half with a spectacular free kick, sending the Stade de France into celebration.
Bastoni’s Equalizer
Italy responded when Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a major France mistake while the hosts were playing out from the back. The Inter Milan defender won the ball in French territory and finished the move to level the score at 1-1, becoming an unlikely hero for the Azzurri.
A Red Card Late On
As a result, France’s night got even harder in the closing stages. Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 85th minute, leaving France to play out the remainder of the match a man down.
Why Kylian Mbappe’s Absence Mattered
France vs Italy saw the hosts missing their biggest attacking weapon, with Kylian Mbappe sidelined by an ankle injury. Consequently, France had to search for inspiration from their other big-name forwards, a challenge that became more apparent as the match wore on and Italy grew into the contest.
Zidane’s Start as France Coach
A Strong Opening Stretch
Before this match, Zinedine Zidane had opened his tenure with back-to-back 1-0 wins over Belgium and Turkey, raising genuine excitement among France supporters ahead of his first home game in charge.
A Muted Homecoming
However, the draw meant Zidane’s bid for a perfect start and a rare managerial milestone will have to wait. Therefore, despite the emotional buildup around his return, the result left his side with work still to do in Group A1.
Group A1 Standings After France vs Italy
Following the draw, the group picture looks like this:
- France: 2 wins, 1 draw, 7 points
- Italy: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points
As a result, France remains top of Group A1, but the dropped points open the door slightly for their closest rivals heading into the next round of matches.
What’s Next for Both Teams
France vs Italy was just one stop on a busy October international window. Italy will return home to host Turkey in Bologna on October 5, while France continues their own campaign with the next meeting between these two sides scheduled for November 12 in Milan.
Common Questions About France vs Italy
What was the final score of France vs Italy?
The match ended 1-1, with goals from Michael Olise and Alessandro Bastoni.
Was this Zidane’s first match as France coach in Paris?
Yes, it marked his first home match since taking over as head coach.
Why was Dayot Upamecano sent off?
He received a red card in the 85th minute, though the specific incident wasn’t detailed in available match reports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t assume Zidane remained unbeaten after this match — the draw ended his perfect start as France coach.
- Don’t overlook Bastoni’s goal; it came from capitalizing on a defensive error rather than a set piece or sustained pressure.
- Don’t confuse this match with a World Cup qualifier — it was a UEFA Nations League Group A1 fixture.
Conclusion
France vs Italy produced a fittingly dramatic occasion for Zidane’s emotional return to the Stade de France, even if the result didn’t go entirely his way. With Olise’s stunning free kick matched by Bastoni’s opportunistic equalizer, and Upamecano’s late red card adding further late drama, this draw leaves France still top of Group A1 but with clear room for improvement. All eyes now turn to the rematch in Milan this November.
