Italy hold France to a 1–1 draw on Zinedine Zidane’s home debut, despite Michael Olise’s splendid free kick.
The Stade de France was filled to capacity as France’s new national team manager, Zinedine Zidane, prepared to make his home debut. Italy, the very side against whom he had ended his playing career in 2006, were once again his opponents.
Despite Michael Olise’s splendid free kick, France could not secure a fairytale homecoming. Italy responded clinically through Alessandro Bastoni, and the Nations League meeting finished 1–1. The result ended Zidane’s winning start after victories away to Turkey and Belgium.
Meanwhile, Belgium secured a 3–0 victory against a struggling Turkey side. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice before Romelu Lukaku completed the win.
In the October 3 preview supplied for this roundup, Spanish world champions Spain face the Czech Republic and will be looking to build on their recent success. England have a big match against Croatia ahead, although attention also remains on events in Manchester.
Manchester City have filed an appeal against an independent commission ruling that found the club guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. The club are seeking to overturn the decision and avoid potentially severe sanctions.
This is a football regulatory ruling, not a criminal conviction. The appeal means the dispute is continuing.
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