Italy ended Zinedine Zidane’s perfect start as France manager on Friday, holding Les Bleus to a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Nations League clash at the Stade de France.

Michael Olise put France ahead shortly after half-time with a stunning free-kick, but Alessandro Bastoni capitalised on a defensive error to equalise for Italy before France finished with 10 men.

The result ended Zidane’s winning start after victories over Türkiye and Belgium in his first two matches in charge. France remain top of Group A1 on seven points, one ahead of Belgium, while Italy have four points.

France dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to turn their control into clear chances.

Italy had the first major opportunity when Moise Kean found himself inside the six-yard box but fired straight at France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Olise then came close for the hosts when his deflected cross clipped the crossbar, while Italy threatened again before the break when Davide Frattesi’s goal-bound effort took a touch off a French player and went out for a corner.

France stepped up the pressure after the restart, with Gianluigi Donnarumma producing a double save to deny Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé.

The Italy captain then denied Olise’s curling effort before France finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.

Rayan Cherki played a free-kick short to Olise, who curled a superb effort over the wall and in off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Donnarumma with no chance.

Italy responded in the 68th minute after France’s attempt to play out from the back went wrong.

Lucas Da Cunha failed to control a pass, allowing Bastoni to win possession high up the pitch. The Inter Milan defender advanced before firing past Maignan to restore parity.

France pushed for a second goal, but Donnarumma continued to frustrate the hosts, making another important save from Adrien Rabiot before denying Eduardo Camavinga late on.

France’s task became harder when Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card with five minutes of normal time remaining, reducing Zidane’s side to 10 men.

Italy could not take advantage of the numerical advantage, and the match ended 1-1.

The fixture also carried personal significance for Zidane, whose first home match as France coach came against the same country he faced in his final international appearance as a player — Italy in the 2006 World Cup final.

That match ended in an Italian victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Zidane sent off in extra time.

France will remain top of Group A1 after three matches, while Italy sit fourth on four points. In the other group match on Friday, Belgium defeated Türkiye 3-0, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice and Romelu Lukaku adding a third.