Italy defeated France 3-1 in Milan on Thursday, handing Zinedine Zidane his first loss as national team coach.
The result puts Italy ahead of France at the top of Group A1 on head-to-head records, setting up a decisive final round in which both teams still control their quarter-final destiny.
Before this defeat, Zidane had led France to three wins and a draw since replacing Didier Deschamps after the World Cup.
France were without top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who was out injured, and Ousmane Dembele, also sidelined by injury.
After an Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma distribution error, Michael Olise put France ahead in the 10th minute.
Francesco Pio Esposito equalised for Italy from Nicolo Cambiaghi's pass. Le Monde gave the goal as the 26th minute.
Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty for Italy in the second half.
Davide Frattesi scored Italy's second goal from Federico Dimarco's cut-back.
Pio Esposito scored Italy's third goal from a penalty after Dayot Upamecano fouled substitute Antonio Vergara.
Le Monde reports France conceded two more goals in the second half, in the 63rd and 75th minutes.
The win was Italy's first over France in a home game since 1962, the BBC said.
"part of the learning process"
"You mustn't change anything just because of a defeat,"
Italy moved ahead of France in Group A1 on their head-to-head record, with 10 points apiece, while Belgium trail by one point.
Pio Esposito has scored four goals in this Nations League campaign. The Inter Milan striker, 21, has found the net nine times in his first 14 caps.
"I hope he'll be available on Sunday. That was the plan, that's what we want,"
On Sunday, Italy travel to Belgium, while France welcome Turkey for the final group matches.
England and Spain Secure Wins
England have 12 points after five Group A3 matches, having secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory against Croatia at Wembley.
In his 126th England appearance, a record, Harry Kane scored the decisive penalty and brought his international goal total to 92.
"Good win. We wanted this win desperately and I think we deserved it,"
Spain's fifth consecutive win in the competition came in Prague, where they beat the Czech Republic 2-0. They lead Group A3 with 15 points.
Hindustan Times said Spain's unbeaten run in competitive matches stands at 44, while Fox Sports said the team has gone 43 matches without a loss.
Spain welcome England to Madrid on Sunday, with the group title at stake.
Group Standings Comparison
Group A1 Standings
After 5 matches
- Italy: 10 points
- France: 10 points
- Belgium: 9 points
Group A3 Standings
After 5 matches
- Spain: 15 points
- England: 12 points
- Croatia: Points not stated
- 10'France lead
Michael Olise scores after Donnarumma error.
- 26'Italy equalise
Pio Esposito scores from Cambiaghi pass.
- 63'Italy take lead
Davide Frattesi scores second goal.
- 75'Italy extend lead
Pio Esposito scores penalty.
What we know
- Italy beat France 3-1 in Milan.
- England secured quarter-final spot with win over Croatia.
- Spain maintained perfect record with win over Czech Republic.
Still unclear
- Whether Kylian Mbappe will be fit for France's final game against Turkey.
- Which teams will secure the remaining quarter-final places from Groups A1 and A3.
Belgium host Italy and France play Turkey on Sunday in the final group games.
