Kocaeli:Kylian Mbappe's goal led France to a 1-0 victory over Trkiye, marking a successful start for Zinedine Zidane as head coach in the UEFA Nations League A1 opener. Belgium also emerged victorious, defeating Italy 2-0.

According to Anadolu Agency, France dominated the first half with multiple chances, but Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir's performance kept the score level as the teams went into halftime goalless. In the second half, Mike Maignan made a crucial save for France, denying Ismail Yuksek's header.

The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Trkiye lost possession near their goal. Michael Olise assisted Mbappe, who scored with a low shot into the bottom corner. Despite Trkiye's efforts for an equalizer, including a notable save by Maignan from Arda Guler's attempt, France maintained their lead.

Trkiye faced another setback in the 87th minute when Cakir was sent off after a VAR review showed he handled the ball outside his area, reducing the team to 10 men. France held firm to secure the win.

In Rome, Belgium thwarted Roberto Mancini's return as Italy's head coach with a 2-0 victory. Mika Godts scored first for Belgium after Italy's Filippo Romano lost possession. Gianluigi Donnarumma's saves kept Italy in the game temporarily, but Dodi Lukebakio extended Belgium's lead in the 69th minute from a swift counterattack.

Elsewhere in the Nations League, Northern Ireland defeated Georgia 1-0, Armenia won 2-0 against Latvia, Ukraine edged Hungary 1-0, Poland drew 0-0 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden beat Romania 2-1, and Montenegro secured a 2-1 win over the Greek Cypriot administration.