Zinedine Zidane returns to France as coach and draws with Italy in his debut

Zinedine Zidane, France's national team, returned with a draw to the Stade de France, the stage where he became world champion 28 years ago. The brilliant midfielder won the 1998 World Cup there, when France beat Brazil 3-0. The Frenchman returned to Paris this Friday as coach of Les Bleus and did so with a draw against Italy (1-1). Paradoxes of life, Italy was Zidane's last rival as a player. His farewell as a professional came in the 2006 World Cup final, won by the Azzurri squad on penalties (1-1) and remembered for the headbutt against Materazzi.

France, with Olise, Dembelé and Doué, in the attacking zone, and with Cherki and Rabiot in the center, controlled the tempo of the match, but could not consummate their dominance until the 54th minute, with a superb goal from Olise after a free kick. The skilled winger's shot slipped into the left corner of the goal defended by Donnarumma.

Italy tied in the 65th minute thanks to Bastoni, who anticipated Da Cunha on the edge of the area and easily beat Maignan. On the Italian team, the best was the verticality of Moise Kane, the mobility of Nicolo Fagioli and the stops of Donnarumma.

Camavinga, who came out with 25 minutes remaining, was one of the highlights of the match, with two excellent shots saved by the Italian goalkeeper.

The match was refereed by the Spanish Jesús Gil Manzano, who cautioned Fagioli and Upamecano (double yellow, in the 85th minute).

This is France's first draw in the group stage of the Nations League. The previous matches with Zidane as coach of the French team ended 0-1 against Türkiye and 0-1 against Belgium.