How Italy players responded when fans booed France’s anthem

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 12: General view inside the stadium before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Fans at San Siro initially booed the French anthem, but the Italian players responded with applause, eventually silencing the disrespectful section of the crowd.

Italy host France at San Siro in the fifth round of the Nations League group phase. Football Italia is among the accredited media.

Italy players respond to fans booing France anthem

You can follow the build-up and live action on the Football Italia LIVE BLOG.

The rivalry between Italy and France is one of the biggest in world football, and even if tonight’s match isn’t played in a major tournament, you can feel the air crackle as two of Europe’s heavyweights face off.

However, many in the San Siro crowd arguably crossed a line by booing the French anthem during its opening moments.

Italian players didn’t look impressed, responding to the home fans’ boos with applause until they silenced the whistles from the stands.

The Stadio Meazza’s capacity is reduced for tonight’s fixture under UEFA regulations, but the stadium is nearly sold out, with an attendance of about 66,000, including about 1,000 French supporters placed in the Curva Nord’s third tier.