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France drew 1–1 with Italy at the Stade de France on Friday, 2 October 2026, denying Zinedine Zidane a win in his first home match as France coach. Michael Olise put France ahead with a curling shot in the 55th minute; Alessandro Bastoni equalized for Italy in the 68th after a French defensive error.
How France and Italy drew 1–1
The match turned on two goals in the second half. France broke the deadlock through Olise, but Italy replied before the home side could add a second.
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Olise’s shot put France in front
In the 55th minute, France worked a short free kick taken by Rayan Cherki. Olise then curled an effort from around 20 metres that struck the crossbar on its way into the net. The finish gave France the lead and supplied the match’s standout moment.
Bastoni restored parity
Italy equalized in the 68th minute. Alessandro Bastoni scored after a French defensive error, with match coverage identifying Adrien Rabiot as involved in the mistake. The goal made it 1–1, and the score remained level.
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Why Zidane’s home debut ended in a draw
France had taken the lead but did not turn it into a second goal. Zidane said at his post-match press conference that France had chances to score again but did not take them. Italy’s equalizer followed the defensive lapse, leaving France unable to protect Olise’s advantage.
According to AS, Zidane said in Spanish: “Estoy contento de lo que vi. No por el resultado. Creo que merecimos más. Así es el fútbol. Tuvimos ocasiones para marcar el segundo, no lo hicimos y a veces pasan estas cosas en el campo. Muy orgulloso de mis jugadores y de todo lo que han hecho. Estoy contento pese al resultado”. In English: “I’m happy with what I saw. Not with the result. I think we deserved more. That’s football. We had chances to score the second, we didn’t, and sometimes these things happen on the pitch. Very proud of my players and everything they’ve done. I’m happy despite the result.”
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The occasion at the Stade de France
This was Zidane’s first home match in charge of France; his tenure had begun with away fixtures. The Independent reported an attendance of 77,118, along with “Zizou” chants and a banner reading “Bienvenue Chez Toi” (“Welcome Home”).
The draw captures the match’s central contrast: France went ahead through Olise’s individual finish, then conceded after a defensive error. It does not, on its own, establish a broader judgment about either side’s form.
Quick Recap
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