UEFA Nations League – Upamecano sent off, France 1-1 Italy

The third round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Group A saw France, playing at home at the Stade de France, take the lead with a goal from Olise, but conceded a goal and Upamecano was shown a red card later in the game, ultimately drawing 1-1 with Italy.

Nine minutes into the match, Italy created an attacking opportunity when Kayord crossed from the penalty area, and Keane's close-range shot was saved by French goalkeeper Maignan. In the 16th minute, Truffer pulled down Sebastiano while vying for possession, but the referee only indicated a foul.

In the 20th minute, Olise received a diagonal pass from Jeremy Jacquet outside the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal. In the 23rd minute, France continued their counter-attack. Dacuña passed the ball to Dembélé, who followed up with a long-range shot, but it was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 30th minute, Kayode orchestrated an attack, and Carafiori received the ball and fired a long-range shot from near the penalty area, but it was cleared. In the 37th minute, Olise made a diagonal pass, and Dembele followed up with a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the shot was too central and the ball was caught by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma.

In the 41st minute, Italy took a corner kick, and Kean received the ball and fired a shot into the net, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. In the 44th minute, Facholi passed the ball to Fratesse, who received it and took a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal.

In the 48th minute of the second half, France launched an attack. Rabiot passed the ball to Due, who broke through to the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but it was blocked by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. Dembele then followed up with a shot, which was also saved by Donnarumma.

In the 50th minute, Dembele passed the ball into the penalty area, and Olise attempted a chip shot over the defender, but Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma immediately dived to save it. In the 54th minute, Facholi fouled Rajan Sergi, and the referee showed Facholi a yellow card.

Then, Laryan Sergiu took a free kick, and Olise, positioned at the edge of the penalty area, fired a long-range shot into the net, giving France a 1-0 lead. In the 68th minute, Dacuña made a mistake while receiving the ball, allowing Bastoni to regain possession and break into the penalty area before slotting the ball home, leveling the score at 1-1 for Italy.

In the 76th minute, Rabiot received the ball and shot from the penalty area, but the shot went wide. In the 81st minute, Vergara delivered a cross, and Keane headed the ball, but it went over the goal. In the 85th minute, Keane was fouled by Upamecano while vying for possession, and Upamecano was sent off for accumulating two yellow cards.

In the 87th minute, Maldini chipped a pass into the penalty area, and Bastoni's shot was blocked by an opposing player. In stoppage time of the second half, Barcora passed the ball to Camavinga, who unleashed a long-range shot, but it was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma.

Ultimately, France was held to a 1-1 draw by Italy at home.

Image source: Internet