Overview
- Zinédine Zidane’s first game as France coach ended in a 1-0 away victory over Turkey thanks to a Kylian Mbappé goal that left the striker holding his left knee and being substituted shortly after.
- Turkey goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır received a red card late in the match for handling the ball outside the penalty area, but France could not add to its lead with the extra player.
- Roberto Mancini’s return to the Italy job began with a 0-2 home defeat to Belgium as Mika Godts put Belgium ahead and Dodi Lukebakio finished a second goal on the break.
- The results change early Nations League group dynamics and set quick turnarounds with France facing Belgium and Italy hosting Turkey before France and Italy meet in Saint-Denis.
- Zidane’s win is tempered by immediate doubt over Mbappé’s availability for upcoming matches while Mancini faces intensified pressure to accelerate Italy’s rebuild and integrate younger players such as Godts into the squad.