France and Italy drew 1-1 at the Stade de France on Thursday night in Zinedine Zidane’s first home game as Les Bleus coach. The Nations League result leaves France top of the group with seven points.

Michael Olise gave France the lead in the 55th minute. His curling free-kick came off the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line. Italy equalised in the 68th minute when Alessandro Bastoni scored after Hugo Ekitike’s heavy touch gave the ball away.

France finished the match with ten men after Dayot Upamecano was sent off late for two yellow cards. Italy thought they had snatched a winner through Moise Kean, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR check. Mike Maignan also denied Kean with a fine save in the second half.

France were without captain Kylian Mbappe, who is recovering from a knee injury. Italy, with four points from three games, remain second in the group.

Belgium’s 3-0 win over Turkey in Liege closed the gap. France travel to their next fixture knowing a win over Belgium on Monday at the Stade de France would take them closer to the knockout stage of the competition.