UEFA Nations League: Why France lost 3-1 to Italy – Zidane
France head coach Zinedine Zidane has admitted his team was "second best" as they lost 3-1 to Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.
Michael Olise had opened the scoring for Les Bleus, but Pio Esposito equalised for the hosts.
Davide Frattesi gave Italy the lead for the first time in the match before Esposito established a two-goal advantage from the penalty spot.
The result means Zidane's men have failed to beat the Azzurris home and away.
"We were second-best in duels and one-on-one situations. That's part of the learning process," Zidane said.
"We lost our shape, especially defensively, after Italy scored.”