Zidane's first home outing ends level

Zinedine Zidane's first home game in charge of France finished in a 1-1 draw against Italy in the Nations League on Friday night at the Stade de France.

Visiting goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a string of saves to frustrate the French fans, while the hosts ended the contest with 10 men after Dayot Upamecano's late dismissal for a second yellow card.

Michael Olise put France ahead in the 55th minute with a curling shot that went in off the crossbar, following a short free kick taken by Rayan Cherki. But poor defending midway through the second half allowed Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni to run through and clip a low shot inside the right post.

Moise Kean had missed a close-range chance early on for Italy, shooting straight at goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Donnarumma then made a double save from Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué early in the second half, before producing a brilliant low save to deny Adrien Rabiot moments after Italy's equaliser.

Upamecano was sent off late on, but France kept pushing for a winner, and Donnarumma had to claw away Eduardo Camavinga's shot in stoppage time to preserve a point.

France remain top of Group A1 in the Nations League, a point clear of Belgium, who eased to a 3-0 home win over bottom side Turkey in Liège. The two neighbours meet again on Monday at the Stade de France, while Italy host Turkey in Bologna.