Roberto Mancini praised Italys performance in their 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with France as a step forward. After seeing Italy claim a 4-1 win over Turkey to claim their first victory of his second spell in charge last time out, Mancini was treated to another impressive display from his side against much more illustrious opposition at a raucous Stade de France.It looked as if Italy would be made to pay for not taking their chances most notably a sitter that Moise Kean somehow missed in the ninth minute when a superb free-kick from Michael Olise put France ahead 10 minutes into the second half.But the Azzurri responded confidently and equalised as Alessandro Bastoni pounced on a mistake from Lucas Da Cunha to score his second goal in as many games.Italy were grateful to a host of excellent saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but they too had chances to win the game and may feel somewhat frustrated not to have done so after France centre-back Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 85th minute.But Mancini was very satisfied with what he witnessed in Saint-Denis.We knew it would be a very difficult match, especially at the start, but we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession, Mancini told Rai Sport.We played as a team, attacking and defending together, and so it is certainly a very positive evening for us.I wanted this to be another step forward in our journey. I liked that we tried to play football, despite being against an extraordinary France side full of champions.At times we suffered, but always tried to score goals whenever we had the chance, so thats very good.Bastoni: Italy can do it against anyoneBastoni, meanwhile, believes Italys display should give them confidence they can compete with anyone despite missing out on World Cup qualification for the third successive time earlier this year.It was a tough game, we knew it would be, its hardly news, but I am so happy with the team performance,Bastoni said to Rai.We fought hard, we suffered, we even ruined some of Frances objectives for tonight, as they were prepared for a big celebration. We knew we werent coming here for a walk in the park, and thats how it was.Its certainly pleasingto score again, but the moment it was done, I thought we had to make sure we didnt concede another, otherwise it was all points. This is a good result that boosts our confidence going forward,I didnt expect to score two goals, but I never lost faith in myself. I wont let one or two situations ruin the career of over 300 games. I thank my family for being by my side and I hope that keeping my head up high is seen as a positive.We believed in our chances of victory from the start, and indeed had the best chances in the first half to break the deadlock. Its a strongsignal, because if we can put in a performance like this against France in Paris, then we can do it against anyone.Now there is another game in this run and we are not taking anything for granted, it is another important test.Italy host Turkey in Bologna on Monday in their final game of this extended international break. Topics France National Football Team Italy National Football Team UEFA Nations League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Zidane touched by Stade de France ovation but disappointed after Les Bleus draw with Italy Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 UEFA Nations League: De Bruyne at the double for Belgium as Lewandowski scores treble and Dzeko bows out Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 France 1-1 Italy: Zidanes 10 men endure frustrating homecoming as Azzurri claim point Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 France v Italy: Confirmed line-ups for Zidanes first home game Nicholas McGee 2nd October, 2026 France v Italy: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 2nd October, 2026 Ronaldo saga will not divide us, Jesus vows after Portugal win over Denmark Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026
