France got their 2024 Nations League campaign back on track with a comfortable 2-0 win over Belgium, following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Italy in their opening League A Group 2 match.
Didier Deschamps made several changes, including benching captain Kylian Mbappé, who had played the full match against Italy. The fresh forward line proved effective, with Randal Kolo Muani opening the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalising on a loose ball to notch his sixth international goal.
Ousmane Dembélé doubled France’s lead after the break with a well-taken strike, ensuring a dominant performance. Mbappé entered the game midway through the second half and created two opportunities but was unable to find the net.
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Belgium, who started brightly, struggled to find a way back after conceding, with France’s defense holding firm to claim their first points in the competition.
Elsewhere, Italy continued their perfect start to the Nations League, defeating Israel 2-1. Davide Frattesi opened the scoring, chesting in a cross to give Italy the lead. Moise Kean added a second goal in the second half, finishing after Giacomo Raspadori’s shot was saved.
Though Israel’s Mohammad Abu Fani pulled one back with a superb stoppage-time strike, Italy held on to secure their second win in as many games, leading Group 2 with six points.
