Zinedine Zidane’s highly anticipated return to the Stade de France as the manager of the French national team did not result in a victory, as Italy defeated France in a decisive performance. The match carried significant narrative weight, as it featured the same opponent against whom Zidane concluded his legendary playing career in 2006.

France initially took the lead through a well-executed free kick by Michael Olise, which energized the capacity crowd. However, the momentum shifted quickly as the Italian squad demonstrated superior tactical organization and clinical finishing. Italy managed to overpower the French defense throughout the remainder of the match, effectively neutralizing France's offensive efforts and securing the win. While the atmosphere was charged with the expectation of a 'fairytale' return for the former star, the reality of the match saw the French side struggle to maintain control against a disciplined Italian team. The result marks a challenging start for Zidane in his new role, highlighting the work required to integrate his vision with the current squad.