Italy win Nations League opener despite 13-second goal for France

Italy scored twice in the second half to come from behind and beat France in the first game of the Nations League in Group A.

It did not take long for France to take the lead when Bradley Barcola smashed home inside 13 seconds but Italy pulled level after Federico Dimarco played a neat one-two with Sandro Tonali and aimed a ruthless volley into the top corner.

Italy turned the game on its head in the 51st minute courtesy of Davide Frattesi and the visitors sealed a stunning turnaround victory when Destiny Udogie played in Giacomo Raspadori, who stabbed beyond Mike Maignan to register three points.

Kevin De Bruyne struck twice to help Belgium earn a 3-1 victory over Israel.

The Belgians hit the front in the 21st minute with a goal made in Manchester – City team-mate Jeremy Doku linked up with De Bruyne as the former worked the ball down the left and passed into De Bruyne who lashed home to make it 1-0.

Israel were on level terms 10 minutes before the break as Anan Khalaily’s header looked to be going off target until it bounced off Fulham full-back Timothy Castagne and into the back of the net.

Belgium’s quality showed in the second period as they blew their opponents away with two further goals, Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans on target before De Bruyne tucked home from the penalty spot. A second penalty, from Lois Openda, was saved by Yoav Gerafi.

In Group 3 of Nations League B, Erling Haaland was unable to recreate his domestic goalscoring form as Norway were forced to share the spoils in a goalless draw with Kazakhstan despite having 19 shots.

Slovenia and Austria took home a point each from their first Nations League match following a 1-1 draw.

Benjamin Sesko’s first-half penalty was cancelled out 12 minutes later as