Zinedine Zidane was touched by the reception he received for his first home game as France coach but felt his side deserved better than their 1-1 draw with Italy. After securing wins of Turkey and Belgium in his first two games in charge, Zidane received a rapturous ovation from the Stade de France crowd for Fridays UEFA Nations League clash with Roberto Mancinis side.Despite an unconvincing first-half showing, it looked as if France were on course for three wins from three 10 minutes into the second when Michael Olises stunning free-kick gave them the lead.But Italy responded well and stunned the home crowd when they levelled as Alessandro Bastoni pounced on a mistake from Lucas Da Cunha and confidently finished beyond Mike Maignan.Both sides had chances to win the game thereafter, though Italy may be more irritated at not doing so after France saw Dayot Upamecano sent off five minutes from the end of normal time for a second bookable offence.Though his side remain unbeaten, Zidane conceded to disappointment and frustration being his overriding emotions after the game.Im very disappointed; we deserved better, but thats the way football is, Zidane told TF1. We should have sealed the win, but Im proud of my players. The performance was very good; my players were exemplary. Im frustrated for my players because they gave it their all.We had possession in the first half, but it was fruitlessthats what we tried to correct at halftime. To hurt the opponent, you have to exploit the open spaces. In terms of our performance, we executed our game plan; they played their gamedefensive, Italian-style. We werent really in much danger.When youre playing well the whole game and doing the right things, a small hiccup can throw you off a bit, and thats what happened to us. The most important thing is what I saw from all my players. Im very satisfied. They can be proud of what they did tonight in terms of performance.Asked about his return to the Stade de France and the reception from the fans, Zidane added: It touches me; we would have loved to give the victory to an entire nation. It didnt happen tonight, so well rest up to win our fourth match. Topics France National Football Team Italy National Football Team UEFA Nations League Zinedine Zidane 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 Mancini hails Italy step forward after draw with France 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
