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 Azzurri home and away.
EPL: Two managers sacked on Thursday
EPL: Bruno Fernandes rejects new Man Utd contract with Pochettino set to take over
AFCON qualifiers: ‘I hope others will do the job’ – Tanzania captain Mkami on Osimhen’s absence “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.”
AFCON qualifiers: ‘I made my choice’ – Eric Chelle clears air on Maduka Okoye’s snub 
NNL: Mighty Jets announce new management, technical appointments
Nations League: Harry Kane breaks record against Croatia
