Bastoni Earns Italy Nations League Draw Against France
Italy earned a 1-1 Nations League draw away to France at the Stade de France, with Alessandro Bastoni’s equaliser cancelling Michael Olise’s opening goal and giving Roberto Mancini’s side an important Group A point.
Why the result matters for Italy
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | France 1-1 Italy |
| Venue | Stade de France |
| France possession | 65% |
| Italy expected goals | 1.56 xG |
| Scorers | Michael Olise; Alessandro Bastoni |
Italy spent long periods without the ball as France controlled 65 per cent possession, but their defensive organisation limited the hosts and they retained enough threat to produce 1.56 expected goals. Sebastiano Esposito led the attack with a high defensive workload as Mancini’s team resisted sustained French pressure.
For Esposito, the performance was an encouraging sign for a squad still taking shape under its new manager. He said Italy had defended well against elite opposition and viewed a point in France as a credible outcome, while recognising that the national team’s history means expectations will always extend beyond draws.
“We defended well and got a strong result against an excellent side,” Esposito said. “A draw here is certainly not a poor outcome. Italy always wants to win because of its past, but we played well and there is still room to improve. We need time.”
The forward also identified progress from Italy’s earlier Group A meetings with Belgium. He believes the side have the quality to compete at the highest level, provided they continue to carry out the coaching staff’s instructions and develop their collective approach.
“There is a new coach and new players, so the group is still developing,” Esposito added. “We were not at our best against Belgium, but we have improved since then and we are trying to play. That matters to us. There is quality in this team and we have to keep moving in this direction.”
Italy will now turn to their remaining Nations League group matches looking to strengthen their standing. Mancini is expected to continue using the campaign to integrate younger players, while Esposito is targeting further growth at international level. France, meanwhile, return to action on Monday as they seek a winning response.
