Nations League: France wins against Belgium, Italy against Israel

Kylian Mbappe was rested after starting on Friday against Italy. Getty Images

Lyon (France), September 10 — France got their Nations League campaign up and running with a comfortable victory over Belgium.

Didier Deschamps' side were beaten 3-1 by Italy in their League A Group 2 opener on Friday and faced another tough challenge against the Belgians.

France captain Kylian Mbappe started on the bench for this game, having played the full 90 minutes against the Italians, and Deschamps decided to change his entire forward line.

Belgium made a bright start but fell behind just before the half-hour mark when Kolo Muani pounced on a loose ball to drive in his sixth goal for France.

Muani's Paris St-Germain team-mate Ousmane Dembele made it 2-0 after the break with a crisp strike.

Mbappe was sent on midway through the second half and had two good chances but was unable to get on the scoresheet.

Italy win again

Meanwhile, Italy continued their strong start to the Nations League with a second successive victory, beating Israel 2-0.

The Italians, who were knocked out of Euro 2024 in the last 16, opened the scoring through Davide Frattesi when he chested in a cross.

Moise Kean made it 2-0 in the second half, firing in after Giacomo Raspadori's shot had been saved.

Mohammad Abu Fani got one back for Israel with a brilliant finish in stoppage time.

Italy are top of Group 2 with six points from their two games so far.