France secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over Italy at the iconic San Siro to finish top of their UEFA Nations League group on goal difference.
In a match packed with moments of brilliance and high-stakes drama, Didier Deschamps’ side showed resilience and tactical sharpness to edge past their formidable Italian opponents.
This win marks a triumphant close to the international calendar for France, while Italy will be left ruing their missed chances despite topping the group for much of the campaign.
From the opening whistle, France looked eager to impose themselves. It took just two minutes for Adrien Rabiot to make his mark, nodding home a precise out-swinging corner from Lucas Digne.
Italy’s Federico Dimarco made a valiant attempt to clear off the line, but Rabiot’s effort was unstoppable. This early breakthrough set the tone for what would become a tense and action-packed encounter.
France’s relentless pressure continued, and in the 33rd minute, they doubled their advantage in dramatic fashion. Digne, who was instrumental in set-piece situations throughout the game, delivered a stunning free-kick that cannoned off the crossbar.
The ball ricocheted off Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and into the back of the net for an own goal. Though it may not officially belong to Digne, the effort underlined his pivotal role in France’s victory.
At this point, it seemed Italy were on the ropes, but the home side was far from finished.
Moments later, Italy found their lifeline. A well-crafted move saw Federico Dimarco loft a perfectly weighted cross to the back post, where Andrea Cambiaso executed a sublime volley to make it 2-1. The San Siro roared back to life as Italy clawed their way into the match, setting up a nail-biting contest for the second half.
Despite being behind, Italy had looked sharp in possession, accumulating 0.36 expected goals (xG) by halftime compared to France’s 0.29. The stage was set for a tense battle as the group’s top spot remained up for grabs.
RECOMMENDED:
France came out of the break with renewed determination. With goal difference the deciding factor for group supremacy, Deschamps’ men knew they needed another goal to leapfrog Italy. The French midfield trio of Rabiot, Guendouzi, and Kone dominated the ball, keeping Italy pinned back.
In the 65th minute, France’s persistence paid off. Once again, it was the Digne-Rabiot connection that delivered the goods. From a free-kick, Digne whipped in an accurate cross that Rabiot expertly headed into the top corner. The midfielder’s second goal of the night sealed the 3-1 scoreline, leaving Italy with an uphill battle.
Italy refused to give up and launched a series of attacks late in the game. Substitute Moise Kean came closest to pulling one back for the hosts in stoppage time, unleashing a powerful volley destined for the bottom corner. However, Mike Maignan pulled off a sensational save to deny him, preserving France’s two-goal cushion.
Maignan’s quick reflexes proved vital as Italy’s late surge tested France’s defensive resolve. It was a masterclass in goalkeeping that capped off a solid all-around performance from the French side.
This result showcased Didier Deschamps’ tactical acumen. Despite missing star forward Kylian Mbappé, France adapted brilliantly, with Digne and Rabiot stepping up as unlikely heroes. Deschamps’ decision to refresh the lineup following a disappointing 0-0 draw earlier in the week paid dividends, as his team delivered a cohesive and clinical performance.
For Italy, the loss will sting. Despite creating 0.7 xG compared to France’s 0.39, they lacked the cutting edge to capitalize on their chances. Spalletti’s side had already secured qualification for the next round, but finishing second in the group will feel like a missed opportunity, especially after leading for most of the campaign.
Key Takeaways:
- Adrien Rabiot Shines: The midfielder was France’s standout player, scoring two crucial goals and driving his team forward.
- Lucas Digne’s Impact: With two assists, Digne proved indispensable in set-piece situations, underlining his importance to Deschamps’ squad.
- Italy’s Resilience: Despite the loss, Italy showed grit and determination, with Cambiaso’s goal a highlight of the match.
- Maignan’s Excellence: The French goalkeeper’s late save from Kean ensured his side’s victory and top spot in the group.
