Incredible Comeback! Italy Beat France in Blockbuster Clash

Italy have won the UEFA Nations League blockbuster clash against France.

On matchday five, the Azzurri secured a 3-1 victory in an entertaining match at Milan's San Siro. Pio Esposito (26', 75') and Davide Frattesi (63') scored for the hosts, while Michael Olise (10') struck for the visitors.

With this win, Italy leapfrog France in Group 1 to claim top spot.

However, "Les Bleus" had the better start: Bayern star Olise put France ahead early on, capitalizing on a blunder by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The winger intercepted a poor pass from the goalkeeper during build-up play, skipped past Bastoni, and slotted home for 1-0 (10').

Esposito equalizes

The equalizer arrived just 16 minutes later: Inter's breakout talent Pio Esposito scored following a brilliant cross from Nicolo Cambiaghi, netting his ninth goal in his 14th international match.

France then regained control and were the more dominant side overall. Barcola had the best chance to restore their lead in the first half, but his shot was denied by the crossbar (35').

Italy continued to pose a threat on quick counterattacks, but the Azzurri failed to create any clear-cut chances before the break.

In the second half, the fans were treated to another balanced and dynamic encounter with chances at both ends. Cherki struck the woodwork once again in the 52nd minute, only moments before France goalkeeper Maignan pulled off a save to deny Esposito.

Italy miss penalty, but score anyway

In the 60th minute, the game took a dramatic turn: following a foul by Marlon Gusto on Italy's Cambiaghi, the referee correctly awarded Italy a penalty. Sebastiano Esposito stepped up, the older brother of the goalscorer. However, the 24-year-old blazed his spot-kick wide, keeping the score at 1-1.

The miss proved inconsequential for Italy. Just three minutes after the squandered spot-kick, they took the lead: substitute Dimarco picked out the incoming Frattesi inside the box, who fired home a powerful finish to make it 2-1.

France lose top spot

Matters then went from bad to worse for France: Upamecano gave away another penalty, which Pio Esposito claimed this time. The 21-year-old made no mistake, unlike his brother, and made it 3-1 with his second goal of the match.

With that, he handed "Les Bleus" their first defeat under new manager Zinedine Zidane, who walked off the pitch as losers for the first time after a four-game unbeaten run and had to surrender the top spot in Group 1 to the Italians.