The stars are blue.

San Siro erupts in celebration, with chants, applause, cheers and the familiar “popopopopopo” that brings back memories of Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign. France is forced to surrender, and Zidane must bow his head — this time without delivering a headbutt. It may not rewrite history, but this is undoubtedly the night Roberto Mancini’s Italy comes into its own.

“The players want to make amends for everything that has happened, both for the team and for themselves. Now we must go to Belgium and win,” the coach says.

The 3-1 victory is more than just a test passed. It is proof that the youth revolution is working and that, from here on, anything is possible. The fears are gone, the past is behind them: this young Italian team is here, it is entertaining, and it has taken center stage with a performance that will be remembered for a long time.

Going behind after just 10 minutes against France, when Olise scored following a costly Donnarumma mistake, could have knocked the wind out of any team. Instead, the Azzurri fought their way back with confidence and character. Pio Esposito equalized in the 26th minute, and Italy took control after halftime in a one-sided second half. Frattesi turned the game around before Pio sealed the victory from the penalty spot.

A miracle in Milan: Italy is now in the driver's seat, level with France at the top of its Nations League group. On Sunday, a draw in Belgium — who beat Turkey — could be enough to send the Azzurri through to the quarterfinals.

Who could have imagined that after such a brutal defeat in their opening game?

Mancini outmaneuvered Zidane with his lineup, game plan and substitutions, overwhelming France in midfield and down the wings — precisely where Les Bleus are strongest. But the man of the moment was Pio Esposito. The Inter striker delivered a performance worthy of a true center forward: two goals at his home stadium, both dedicated to his brother Sebastiano, who in between missed a glaring penalty. More importantly, he turned the tide with a powerful, commanding display.

France had not lost on Italian soil since 1962, while Italy had lost all three of its previous games at San Siro, beginning its run of three consecutive defeats against France with a 3-1 loss two years ago. A different Italy, a different coach.

The circle of fate has come full circle. But what stood out in the eyes of the 71,000 fans in attendance last night was also the sheer joy of watching this team play soccer. Even if the opening minutes were anything but encouraging.

The disgraceful boos during the French national anthem backfire as Zidane’s team comes out swinging, attacking Italy with ferocity and quality. The opening 20 minutes are a full-scale siege, with Barcola deployed as a false nine and Olise and Doué pushing forward on either wing. Olise's fifth goal in five Nations League appearances seems to signal the start of a predictable French victory. But Italy deserves credit for weathering the storm, regaining some semblance of organization and getting back on level terms.

Cambiaghi provides the spark in the 26th minute, bursting down the left flank, leaving Malo Gusto behind and delivering the perfect cross for Pio Esposito to finish. Italy has found its rhythm, and France begins to slow down. Still, the visitors come close to regaining the lead in the 35th minute, when Barcola strikes the post after a spectacular attacking move.

The driving rain and a waterlogged pitch do nothing to dampen the spectacle. Italy shifts into another gear and makes France look smaller by the minute. First comes Donnarumma's second costly mistake of the night, with Cherki hitting the post in the seventh minute (Gigio's deflection proving decisive). After that, there is no looking back.

In the 13th minute, Cambiaghi is brought down by Malo Gusto, but Italy fails to capitalize on its first penalty opportunity: Sebastiano Esposito lets Maignan off the hook with a poor effort.

There is no letup, however. Frattesi puts Italy ahead 2-1 in the 18th minute, finishing a pass from substitute Dimarco. Then, in the 29th minute, another newcomer, Vergara, wins a second penalty after Upamecano makes a complete mess of the situation. This time, Pio makes no mistake.

What a night at San Siro. And what stars — the Azzurri.