What Italy need to win Nations League group after 3-1 France victory
MILAN - NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Italy picked up their first victory at home against France in 64 years on Thursday evening and have overtaken their opponents into first place in their Nations League group in the process. Here is what the Azzurri need to seal their spot as group winners or to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.
A brace from Pio Esposito and another goal from Davide Frattesi sent Italy on their way to a 3-1 victory over France in San Siro on Thursday evening, following a 10th-minute opener from Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.
This result means that Italy are top of the group on 10 points, France are in second on 10 (trailing on goal difference and head-to-head), Belgium are in third on nine points and Turkey are still without a point after the fifth round of group stage fixtures.
The final round of group stage fixtures in Nations League group A will take place on Sunday evening. Roberto Mancini and his players will take on Belgium in Brussels.
Italy can qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals as group winners, as runners-up, or as one of the two best-ranked third-place teams.
Following Thursday’s victory over France, Italy are guaranteed to finish no lower than third place, regardless of the results on Sunday evening. And, as a result of Thursday’s victory, the Azzurri will be one of the top two third-place teams if they do end up in third place at the end of the group stage.
A draw against Belgium on Sunday will guarantee a second-place finish for Italy, but will require France to either lose or draw against Turkey (without a point after five matches) if they are to finish as group leaders.
A victory against Belgium in Brussels will guarantee Italy’s status as group winners.
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