Roberto Mancini has called on his Italy players "to improve in our courage" despite their impressive victory over France on Thursday.

The Azzurri defeated Zinedine Zidane's side 3-1 in the Nations League, with a goal from Davide Frattesi and brace from Francesco Pio Esposito clinching a vital win in their campaign.

After failing to do so in the previous six meetings (D2, L4), Italy won a home match against France for the first time since a 2-1 victory in May 1962.

Sebastiano Esposito also missed a penalty in the victory, but it mattered little as Italy moved top of Group A1 ahead of a huge encounter with Belgium.

Just one point separates Italy and third-place Belgium ahead of their meeting on Sunday, with France level on points with the Azzurri ahead of hosting Turkiye.

Mancini took pride in Italy's resilience against France, but insisted his players must get used to such situations sooner rather than later.

"I gave what I could give, but the players were the ones who received it quickly, even if we know there is a long road ahead of us," said Mancini in his press conference.

"After going behind so early, we could've conceded another three or four if we'd let our heads drop, instead we did well to keep calm.

"We've got to improve in our courage; the young players must do things enough times that they become normal.

"It takes time, and I hope the older figures in the team can help the process."

9 goals in 14 Italy appearances. Francesco Pio Esposito  #ITAFRA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro https://t.co/RTtoKQfnP0

— Italy  (@Azzurri_En) November 12, 2026

Francesco Pio Esposito is the first player to score at least eight goals (nine) in his first 14 appearances for Italy since Christian Vieri (eight between 1997 and 1998).

The Inter striker has scored four goals in five Nations League games this campaign, and Mancini has backed the 21-year-old to surpass Luigi Riva's record of 35 goals for the Azzurri.

"We hope he can score many more goals. Gigi Riva had 35 and it’s not so far away, so we hope he can get there," added Mancini.

"We need goals from Pio and everyone else, but he can certainly score many."