Sports
Italy vs France: Esposito Scores Twice in 3-1 Nations League Comeback
By ExFunCity News Desk · 13 Nov 2026
TL;DR — Italy vs France ended 3-1 as Pio Esposito scored twice. See the Nations League standings, Italy’s qualification scenario and the Belgium kick-off in MYT.
Italy vs France ended 3-1 to Italy at San Siro in the early hours of 13 November 2026 Malaysian time. Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice and Davide Frattesi put Italy ahead after Michael Olise had opened the scoring for France. The result was Zinédine Zidane’s first defeat as France coach and left three teams competing for two quarter-final places in UEFA Nations League Group A1. UEFA.com
Latest Result: Italy Recover From Olise’s Early Goal
Olise put France ahead in the 10th minute, but Pio Esposito equalised in the 26th. The teams went into half-time at 1-1. France had chances to regain the lead, with both Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki hitting the woodwork. fotmob.com
Italy missed an opportunity of their own when Sebastiano Esposito sent a penalty wide. They took the lead just three minutes later: substitute Federico Dimarco supplied the cross and Frattesi finished first time in the 63rd minute. managingmadrid.com
Turning Point: Pio Esposito Converts Italy’s Second Penalty
The final goal of Italy vs France came in the 75th minute. Pio Esposito took Italy’s second penalty of the night and converted it, giving the hosts a two-goal cushion. It was the Inter striker’s second goal of the match and Italy’s first home win against France since May 1962, according to UEFA. fotmob.com
Group Standings: Three Teams Separated by One Point
Italy vs France left both sides on 10 points after five games. Belgium moved to nine after coming from behind to beat Türkiye 2-1. That leaves just one point separating the three contenders, so Italy’s win in Milan keeps qualification in their own hands without securing it yet. UEFA.com
Italy’s task in Brussels is clear: a draw against Belgium is enough to reach the quarter-finals. A win would also secure first place in the group. France, meanwhile, will have home advantage for their final match against Türkiye in Bordeaux. figc.it
Next Fixtures: Group A1 Deciders at 3.45am MYT
For Malaysian fans following the fallout from Italy vs France, both remaining Group A1 matches kick off at 3.45am on Monday, 16 November 2026, Malaysian time. The European schedule lists the games on Sunday, 15 November. They start simultaneously, so the two quarter-final places will be decided on the same morning for viewers in Malaysia. UEFA.com
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