By Crystal Ugoeze
Italy produced an impressive performance to defeat France 3-1 at the San Siro on Thursday, with Pio Esposito scoring twice to help the Azzurri move top of their UEFA Nations League group.
Davide Frattesi also found the net as Italy ended a 64-year wait for a home victory over France, having last beaten Les Bleus on home soil in a 2-1 friendly encounter in May 1962.
France, coached by Zinedine Zidane, started brightly and took the lead in the 10th minute through Michael Olise after Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma carelessly gave away possession while attempting to play out from the back.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Bradley Barcola testing Donnarumma before coming close to restoring France’s advantage when his effort struck the post.
Italy responded strongly and drew level in the 26th minute. Niccolò Cambiaghi delivered a pull-back from the left after a move initiated by Frattesi, allowing Pio Esposito to finish from close range.
The equaliser boosted Italy’s confidence, with Sebastiano Esposito and Sandro Tonali helping the hosts create further opportunities before the break.
France remained dangerous after the restart, forcing Donnarumma into several important saves. Rayan Cherki also came close to scoring when his effort was tipped onto the upright by the Italian goalkeeper.
Italy missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 60th minute when Sebastiano Esposito sent a penalty wide after Cambiaghi had been brought down by Malo Gusto.
However, the hosts recovered quickly and took the lead three minutes later.
Federico Dimarco, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact by delivering a low cross from the left which Frattesi converted with a first-time finish from close range in the 63rd minute.
Italy sealed the victory in the 75th minute after Antonio Vergara was brought down by Dayot Upamecano inside the penalty area.
This time, Pio Esposito stepped forward and confidently converted from the spot, firing into the bottom corner to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt.
The penalty was particularly significant for the young forward, who had previously missed a spot-kick in Italy’s World Cup play-off against Bosnia.
France attempted to respond in the closing stages but could not find a way past the Italian defence as the Azzurri held on for an important victory.
Despite having just 35 per cent possession compared with France’s 65 per cent, Italy matched their opponents with five shots on target and proved more clinical in front of goal.
The result gives Italy a significant boost in their Nations League campaign, while Pio Esposito emerged as the standout performer with two goals.