Italy handed Zinedine Zidane his first defeat as France head coach after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory in their UEFA Nations League Group A1 encounter at San Siro on Thursday night.
Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice, while Davide Frattesi added another goal as Roberto Mancini's side overturned Michael Olise's early opener to move above France at the top of the group.
The result lifted Italy to 10 points, level with France but ahead on their head-to-head record, with Belgium trailing by one point following their 2-1 victory over Turkey. The three nations will battle for the two available quarter-final places in the final round of group matches.
France made the brighter start in Milan and took the lead in the 10th minute after Olise capitalised on a costly mistake by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Manchester City-bound forward intercepted the goalkeeper's attempted distribution before finding the net, giving the visitors an early advantage.
Italy responded through Pio Esposito, who restored parity in the 26th minute after being set up by Nicolò Cambiaghi. The equaliser shifted the momentum towards the hosts, who grew into the contest and began creating problems for France's defence.
France had an opportunity to regain the lead before the break but Bradley Barcola struck the post as Italy went into half-time level.
The hosts continued to apply pressure after the restart, with Sebastiano Esposito given an opportunity to put Italy ahead from the penalty spot after Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto. However, the forward failed to convert, missing the chance to give his side the advantage.
Italy recovered from the setback and took the lead in the 63rd minute when Frattesi finished Federico Dimarco's delivery to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.
France struggled to respond as Italy maintained their attacking pressure, with the hosts eventually extending their advantage through another penalty.
Pio Esposito stepped up in the 75th minute after Antonio Vergara was fouled by Dayot Upamecano, converting from the spot to complete his brace and seal the victory.
The result marked Italy's first home victory over France in 64 years and ended their run of three consecutive defeats at San Siro.
Pio Esposito's double also took his international tally to nine goals in 14 appearances, further strengthening his growing importance to the national team.
Speaking after the match, Zidane acknowledged that France had lost their defensive organisation after the interval, despite making a positive start.
"We had a good initial approach and held the ball well, but after the break we lost our way, especially defensively," Zidane said.
He added that the team struggled particularly after falling behind, describing the defeat as part of the process of building his side.
The French coach also defended Gusto following his involvement in the penalty incident, insisting that the defeat was a collective failure rather than the responsibility of one player.
On the other side, Mancini praised his players for maintaining their composure after conceding the opening goal and missing a penalty.
"The goal was an error, unfortunately these things happen. We managed to stay calm, continued playing, and eventually thoroughly deserved the victory," Mancini said.
Pio Esposito also highlighted the responsibility he felt when taking Italy's second penalty after watching his brother miss the earlier attempt.
"With the penalty, I had an extra responsibility. I wanted to put the game to bed and make up for my brother's miss," the Inter striker said.
Italy's victory puts them in a stronger position heading into the final group fixture, where they face Belgium. France, meanwhile, must regroup ahead of their meeting with Turkey as the race for qualification reaches its decisive stage.
