France Clinches 3-1 Victory at San Siro
In a thrilling Nations League clash at San Siro, France emerged victorious against Italy, securing a 3-1 win to finish first in Group 2 of League A. Despite the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappé, it was Lucas Digne and Adrien Rabiot who stepped up to deliver a stellar performance for Les Bleus.
Table of Contents
The victory not only sealed France’s top spot but also highlighted the vulnerabilities in Italy’s defensive setup, particularly during set-piece situations.
Early Dominance by France
France made an emphatic start, with Adrien Rabiot scoring in the second minute. Lucas Digne, who delivered the corner, provided a pinpoint cross that Rabiot headed past Italy’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario.
Italy struggled to regain control as France’s relentless pressing forced mistakes. However, Gli Azzurri managed to stabilize the game and attempted to dictate the pace, though without much success.
Digne’s Stunning Free-Kick Extends France’s Lead
In the 32nd minute, France earned a free kick just outside the Italian box after Christopher Nkunku was fouled by Davide Frattesi. Lucas Digne stepped up and unleashed a perfectly struck free kick that ricocheted off the crossbar, hit Vicario, and deflected into the net, giving France a two-goal cushion.
Italy Fights Back
Italy halved the deficit before halftime with a brilliant move by Federico Dimarco and Sandro Tonali. Dimarco’s precise cross found Andrea Cambiaso, who volleyed the ball past Mike Maignan, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite a series of aggressive attacks, Italy failed to find an equalizer before the break.
Rabiot and Digne Deliver Again
France struck again in the second half from another set-piece situation. Lucas Digne provided yet another accurate cross, allowing Adrien Rabiot to head the ball past Vicario. This third goal effectively sealed the game for France, leaving Italy desperate to reduce the deficit.
Defensive Frailties Cost Italy
Italy’s recurring issues with set-piece defense proved costly once again. All three of France’s goals came from dead-ball situations. Italy has now conceded six goals from set-pieces in their last two matches, a glaring issue that coach Luciano Spalletti must address ahead of the Nations League quarterfinals.
MVP: Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne was undoubtedly the star of the match. The Aston Villa left-back was instrumental in France’s victory, contributing two assists and showcasing exceptional defensive skills. His performance has strengthened his case for a starting role in Didier Deschamps’ lineup, potentially challenging Theo Hernandez for the left-back spot.
The Road Ahead
Both France and Italy will now wait until November 22 to learn their quarterfinal opponents.
- France: With their top-spot finish, France will play the second leg at Stade de France.
- Italy: As runners-up, Italy will host the first leg at San Siro.
Key Takeaways
- France’s Strength in Depth: Even without Mbappé, France showcased their squad depth, with players like Digne and Rabiot stepping up.
- Italy’s Defensive Woes: Set-piece vulnerabilities continue to haunt Italy, requiring urgent attention before the knockout stages.
- Lucas Digne’s Form: Digne’s exceptional form for both club and country positions him as a key asset for France moving forward.
France’s victory not only demonstrated their dominance but also highlighted their adaptability, making them strong contenders for the Nations League title. For Italy, addressing defensive lapses will be crucial to their success in the quarterfinals.