Michael Olise opened the scoring for Zinedine Zidane's side at the San Siro after just 10 minutes as he profited from a Gianluigi Donnarumma error - for his fifth goal in five Nations League games.

Roberto Mancini's team hit back through Pio Esposito after 26 minutes as he connected to a Nicolo Cambiaghi cross.

The player's brother Sebastiano Esposito then missed a 60th minute penalty but Azzurri then took the lead for the first time in the 63rd minute when Davide Frattesi drilled in a shot from substitute Federico Dimarco.

Fellow substitute Antonio Vergara earned his side a second penalty for a foul by Dayot Upamecano, and this time Pio Esposito fired home into the bottom corner.

The result sent Italy top of Group A 1 on 10 points, level with France on 10 points.

This was a first loss for new France boss Zidane, who said after the game that losing is a part of football.

"We started well and we were good in possession, but in the second half we ran into difficulties, especially defensively," Zidane said on SuperSport.

"We stayed in the game, we did well in possession, especially in the first half, but in the second half we caved in a bit, especially after 2-1. It's part of the process."

France were without Kylian Mbappe for this tie and twice hit the woodwork.

"The most important thing is creating chances," Zidane added.

"Hitting the post had an impact, but I'm not disappointed. I would have been if we hadn't created good possession. What we need to analyse is why we weren't at the right level off the ball."

"I think all the players were focused. As I said, we were a little less focused and less effective in the second half," said the coach.

"I hope (Mbappe) can play against Turkey. That is the plan, we decided not to risk him tonight because he had a little problem."

Mancini extended his side's run to four unbeaten games, and after the clash, he praised goalscorer Esposito.

“Let's hope he scores a lot more goals," he said. "Gigi Riva has been up there on 35 for a lifetime. Let's hope someone surpasses him. We need goals from Pio and the others too, but he can score a lot."

Zidane's side next host Turkey as Italy travel to face third-placed Belgium.

Ronwen Williams nominated for top goalkeeper award