PARIS/BOLOGNA, OCT 6 (IANS): France produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France and move to the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1. Under the leadership of Zinedine Zidane, Les Bleus maintained their unbeaten record in the competition, recording their third win alongside one draw.
Belgium made a strong start and stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 35th minute. Midfielder Romeo Lavia delivered a precise through ball to Dodi Lukebakio, who exploited a gap in the French defense and calmly beat goalkeeper Guillaume Restes with a clinical finish into the top corner. France struggled to break down a well-organized Belgian side for much of the match and trailed 1-0 heading into the latter stages.
The turning point came when Zidane introduced fresh attacking talent from the bench. France found a new level of intensity and completely transformed the game in a devastating 14-minute spell. In the 77th minute, Desire Doue restored parity after receiving a pass from Lucas Da Cunha. The Paris Saint-Germain youngster turned sharply and fired a low left-footed effort through a crowded penalty area to make it 1-1.
Just minutes later, Michael Olise produced a brilliant run into the Belgian box before delivering a low cross to Rayan Cherki, who converted despite the goalkeeper getting a touch. The goal gave France a 2-1 lead and shifted momentum decisively in their favor.
Olise then capped an outstanding performance with two late goals. Both strikes came from assists by Doue, with the winger finding the net in the 88th minute and again in stoppage time to complete Belgium’s collapse. The trio of substitutes played a decisive role in securing the emphatic victory.
The result leaves France unbeaten in the early stages of the Zidane era and firmly in control of their Nations League group. Les Bleus will resume their campaign in November with two important fixtures, travelling to Milan to face Italy on November 12 before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15.
Italy beat Turkey 3-1 to boost QF hopes
Italy strengthened their chances of reaching the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Turkey in Group A1. The win marked Roberto Mancini’s first home victory since returning as Italy manager and lifted the Azzurri to second place in the standings. It also guaranteed Italy a seeded position in the upcoming European Championship qualifying draw.
Despite missing several key players, Italy took the lead in the first half through Gianluca Scamacca. The striker ended a three-year international goal drought when he converted Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s delivery with a powerful finish, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage before the break.
Turkey proved to be a tough opponent and regularly threatened the Italian defense. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma played a crucial role, producing important saves to deny Turkish attempts and preserve Italy’s lead. The visitors eventually found an equaliser early in the second half when Aral Şimşir capitalized on defensive uncertainty to make it 1-1.
Italy responded strongly to the setback and regained control of the match. Substitute Riccardo Calafiori made an immediate impact by heading home from a Nicolo Barella free kick to restore the hosts’ advantage. Although Turkey continued to create opportunities, Donnarumma’s composure and experience ensured Italy remained ahead.
The victory was secured in the closing stages when rising star Pio Esposito redirected a cross into the net, scoring his seventh goal in 13 appearances for the national team. His strike sealed a deserved 3-1 win and sparked celebrations among the home supporters in Bologna.
The result keeps Italy firmly in contention for a place in the Nations League quarterfinals. The Azzurri now face two decisive fixtures in November, hosting France in Milan on November 12 before travelling to Brussels to take on Belgium on November 15 in their final group-stage match.