Nations League: France Beat Belgium as Italy Bounce Back With Big Win

The latest round of Nations League fixtures delivered plenty of drama on Monday night, with France edging Belgium, Italy responding strongly against Turkey and Northern Ireland being held to a goalless draw by Hungary. 

Olise produces late winner for France

France continued their winning start under new manager Zinedine Zidane with a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels.

The game appeared to be heading towards a draw until Michael Olise produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 88th minute. The Bayern Munich winger collected the ball inside his own half, drove forward and eventually curled a superb finish beyond Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

France had created several opportunities before the breakthrough. Désiré Doué hit the crossbar, while debutant Lucas Da Cunha also struck the post.

Zidane made nine changes to the team that defeated Turkey in France’s previous Nations League match, with Kylian Mbappé unavailable after suffering a knee injury. 

The result leaves France top of Group A1 with six points from their opening two matches. They will face Italy next, while Belgium are scheduled to meet Turkey. 

Italy respond in style against Turkey

Italy produced the biggest victory of the evening, defeating Turkey 4-1 in difficult conditions in Bursa.

Roberto Mancini’s side reacted strongly after their opening 2-0 defeat against Belgium, scoring three times during a dominant first half.

Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring after a defensive mistake, before Davide Frattesi doubled Italy’s advantage. Michael Kayode then added a third before the half-hour mark, marking an impressive international debut for the Brentford full-back.

Turkey pulled one goal back shortly after half-time through Barış Alper Yılmaz, but Italy quickly restored their three-goal advantage when Pio Esposito headed home.

The match also produced a notable piece of history for Italian football. Pio and Sebastiano Esposito became the first brothers to start together for Italy since Aldo and Luigi Cevenini did so in 1915. 

Northern Ireland held by Hungary

Northern Ireland were unable to follow up their dramatic victory over Georgia as Hungary secured a 0-0 draw in Belfast.

Michael O’Neill’s team had opportunities to claim all three points. Patrick Kelly came particularly close in the opening period when his effort struck the crossbar, while Isaac Price was denied late in the match.

Hungary also threatened during the closing stages, but goalkeeper Pierce Charles made an important save to keep the scores level.

Northern Ireland remain near the top of their group alongside Ukraine, who also drew 0-0 with Georgia. 

Sweden defeat Poland

Sweden also made it two wins from two in Group B4 after beating Poland 3-1 in Solna.

Benjamin Nygren gave the hosts an early lead, but Poland responded through Sebastian Szymański, whose effort went in after striking both posts.

Sweden restored their advantage through Brighton’s Yasin Ayari before a late goal completed the victory. 

Nations League results

Belgium 0-1 France
Turkey 1-4 Italy
Northern Ireland 0-0 Hungary
Sweden 3-1 Poland
Georgia 0-0 Ukraine
Latvia 0-0 Cyprus
Montenegro 3-2 Armenia
Romania 1-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina 

France’s victory keeps Zidane’s side perfect after two matches, while Italy’s response against Turkey gives Mancini’s team an important boost following their opening defeat. The Nations League campaign now moves into another round of fixtures, with several groups already beginning to take shape.