UEFA Nations League 2026: Michael Olise Scores a Goal, France Held to 1-1 Draw by Italy

France failed to secure a victory when hosting Italy in the Group A1 fixture of the UEFA Nations League. Having taken an early lead through Michael Olise, Les Bleus were forced to settle for a 1-1 Draw after Alessandro Bastoni levelled the score at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, on Saturday WIB.

This result did not dislodge France from the top of Group A1 Standings, where they sit with seven points. Italy remains in third position after only claiming a single point from their away trip to France.

Italy applied pressure right from the opening kickoff. Before the 10 minute mark, Moise Kean had a clear chance to open the scoring, but his effort was denied by France Goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Kean found the back of France's net shortly before half time, however the goal was ruled out as the Como forward was judged to be in an offside position.

France took control of proceedings once the second half commenced. Ousmane Dembele tested Italy's defence, but his strike was stopped by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

France's sustained pressure finally paid off in the 55th minute. Michael Olise broke the deadlock to put Les Bleus 1-0 up against Italy.

France's advantage would not last until full time. Italy worked an attacking opening and Alessandro Bastoni scored the equaliser in the 68th minute, making the score 1-1.

Things became even harder for France in the final 15 minutes. Dayot Upamecano was shown a second yellow card in the 85th minute for impeding an opposition player, leaving the hosts to play out the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Down a player, France adopted a cautious approach for the closing stages. Italy attempted to exploit their numerical advantage, but could not find a winning goal before the final whistle.

France were left to accept a drawn result despite having led the match. For Italy, taking one point away from the Stade de France represents a valuable return, having fallen behind in what was a tightly contested fixture.

Les Bleus stay top of Group A1 on seven points, though their failure to hold their lead means the battle for group positions remains wide open.