Belgium thrash Turkey, Italy snatch a draw against France
In the UEFA Nations League top division, Belgium beat Turkey 3:0 while Italy drew 1:1 with France in Paris, denying the hosts a win after France finished the match a man down.
Thursday's UEFA Nations League A Division Group 1 matches produced significant results, with Belgium securing their second win of the campaign and Italy taking points off group leaders France for the first time this cycle.
In Liège, Belgium comfortably defeated Turkey 3:0. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, first in the 10th minute after a pass from Dodi Lukebakio, then in the 59th minute following a run by Youri Tielemans. Romelu Lukaku added the third goal in the 76th minute after an assist from Charles De Ketelaere. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens delivered an outstanding performance, saving all eight of Turkey's shots on target. Turkey remain without a point in the tournament.
In Paris, hosts France failed to hold onto their lead against Italy, with the match ending 1:1. The French took the lead in the 55th minute through a precise free kick from Michael Olise, but Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a mistake by French midfielder Lucas da Cunha in the 68th minute to equalize. Late in the match, Dayot Upamecano complicated matters further, receiving a second yellow card and being sent off in the 85th minute.
Following these results, France continues to lead Group 1 with seven points, Belgium follow with six, Italy have four, while Turkey remain pointless. The next round of matches is scheduled for October and November, when the teams will face each other again.
