France head coach Zinedine Zidane admitted his side struggled defensively during Thursday's 3-1 defeat to Italy but insisted the result was part of the team's development following his first loss in charge of Les Bleus.
France made a promising start at San Siro, taking an early lead through Michael Olise and putting themselves in a strong position to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
However, Italy fought back through a Francesco Pio Esposito double and a goal from Davide Frattesi to claim an impressive victory and move ahead of France in Group A1.
Zidane's side controlled much of the opening half, with both teams heading into the break level. However, Italy took command after the restart as France struggled to maintain their defensive organisation.
Frattesi put the hosts ahead just three minutes after Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty, before his younger brother Pio converted another spot kick to seal the victory.
"We started well and we were good in possession, but in the second half we ran into difficulties, especially defensively," Zidane said after the match.
When questioned about whether his players lacked courage, the former Real Madrid manager rejected the suggestion.
"No, quite the opposite. 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."
Despite the defeat, France produced several encouraging attacking moments, finishing with 60% possession and 18 attempts on goal.
Les Bleus also struck the woodwork twice but failed to convert their opportunities as Italy capitalised on defensive errors.
The result leaves France second in Group A1, behind Italy on their head-to-head record.
Zidane maintained that his team's ability to create chances was a positive sign, although he acknowledged the need for improvement without possession.
"The most important thing is creating chances," he explained.
"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."
France will look to respond when they host Turkey on Sunday in their final group fixture. Turkey have yet to register a point in the competition.
Meanwhile, group leaders Italy travel to Belgium, who sit third and remain just one point behind.
France were without attacking stars Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele for the trip to Milan, although Zidane refused to blame their absence for the defeat.
The France coach insisted his players remained focused but admitted their effectiveness dropped during the second half.
"I think all the players were focused. As I said, we were a little less focused and less effective in the second half," Zidane said.
Zidane also revealed that Mbappe could return for Sunday's encounter against Turkey after being rested as a precaution.
"I hope (Mbappe) can play against Turkey. That is the plan, we decided not to risk him tonight because he had a little problem."
The potential return of the Real Madrid forward would provide France with a significant attacking boost as they aim to secure their place in the Nations League knockout stages.
Italy manager Roberto Mancini continued his impressive start to his second spell in charge, guiding the Azzurri to the top of Group A1 and extending their unbeaten run to four matches.
One of the standout performers was Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito, whose two goals took his international tally to nine in just 14 appearances.
Mancini believes the young forward has the potential to challenge Italy's long-standing international goalscoring record, currently held by Gigi Riva with 35 goals.
"Let's hope he scores a lot more goals," Mancini 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."
Esposito could have completed a hat-trick had his older brother Sebastiano not stepped forward to take Italy's first penalty of the second half.
Sebastiano missed the opportunity, with Mancini later revealing that Pio had originally been designated as the team's first-choice penalty taker.
"Pio is first choice and then Sebastiano. It was a family thing," Mancini joked.
Italy now head into their final group fixture against Belgium with momentum on their side, while France must address their defensive weaknesses ahead of a crucial meeting with Turkey.
