France had won 1-0 away to both Turkey and Belgium in Zidane’s first two games, but after Michael Olise put the French ahead 10 minutes after the break, Alessandro Bastoni levelled for Italy.
“I’m very disappointed for the players because we deserved better,” Zidane told the TF1 television network. “But I’m proud of them, the effort, the pressing, they were exemplary.”
“We knew it would be a very difficult match,” Italy coach Roberto Mancini told Italian broadcaster RAI. “But we did well to allow them very little in terms of chances, even if they had more possession.”
Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in the other Group A1 game, with Kevin De Bruyne putting the hosts ahead in the 10th minute after a one-two with Dodi Lukebakio.
Lukebakio twice hit the post before De Bruyne scored again on the hour mark from the edge of the box.
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to replace Lukebakio and wrapped up the win 14 minutes from time with his 94th international goal.
France lead the group on seven points, one ahead of Belgium. Italy are on four points with Turkey yet to get off the mark.
Edin Dzeko, Bosnia’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, made his 152nd and final appearance, in a 1-1 draw at home to Sweden.
Viktor Gyokeres put Sweden ahead in the 61st minute, becoming the first player to score in six consecutive Nations League games.
Two minutes later, Dzeko was replaced to a standing ovation from the crowd and applause from both sets of players, with his teammates giving the 40-year-old a guard of honour. Kerim Alajbegovic equalised 10 minutes from time.
In the other Group B4 game, Robert Lewandowski netted a hat-trick as Poland powered past 10-man Romania 6-0. (Reuters)
