League of Nations: France ends the year in style in Italy

France took its revenge on Italy (3-1), cured its inefficiency problems with a double from Adrien Rabiot and even secured first place in its Nations League group, Sunday in Milan for its last match of the year.

Les Bleus settled a lot of scores in an evening that was more appealing than Thursday's chore against Israel (0-0).

They got their own back on the Italians, who had won 3-1 in Paris and wrecked the start of the 2024-2026 cycle prepared by Didier Deschamps.

This prestigious victory with a largely revamped team brought all the “oxygen” that the coach asked for.

This time, the Blues showed themselves to be realistic, scoring from three set pieces, including two headers by Rabiot for his 50th selection.

After the goal from a corner (2nd), then a direct free kick from Lucas Digne awarded to the Italian goalkeeper Gugliemo Vicario, replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma (33rd), the “Duke” did it again, again served by Digne from a free kick (65th).

Italy reduced the score through Andrea Cambiaso (35th) but received a lesson, as they had taught one at the Parc des Princes.

As in the first leg, the Blues scored a very quick goal. Less than Bradley Barcola's 13 seconds in September, but after two minutes.

– Koné, big match –

Midfielder Manu Kone (L) duels with Davide Frattesi during the match between France and Italy, in Milan, on November 17, 2024 © AFP – Isabella BONOTTO

Rabiot scored his 5th and 6th international goals, highlighting the importance of a player who had missed previous gatherings. In September he had no club, in October he had only just joined Olympique de Marseille.

Digne, who provided two assists, thought he had scored his first goal, to also honour his 50th selection.

His direct free kick headed towards Vicario's top corner, but UEFA awarded it to the Tottenham goalkeeper against his own goal, as the ball hit the bar and then his back.

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The two “fifty-somethings” obviously scored points in this match, but so did Manu Koné, who had a great recovery performance for his 4th selection. The Roma player made life hell for the Italians throughout the match.

Christopher Nkunku, in a number 10 role, looked for a variety of solutions. He also forced Vicario into a difficult save on a shot from afar (58th).

In addition, the Chelsea player recovered balls in a style not out of place with that of Antoine Griezmann, the newly retired Blues player. In short, he has scored more points in the last two rallies than Michael Olise.

– Maignan saves first place –

Mike Maignan with the ball after a save during Italy-France, in Milan, November 17, 2024 © AFP – Alberto PIZZOLI

Mike Maignan saved first place by making a magical save in the very last seconds, on a shot from Moise Kean (90+4th).

Not everything was perfect. Italy quickly reduced the score on a ball lost by Jules Koundé and stolen by Federico Dimarco, which allowed the sharp winger to serve Andrea Cambiaso two minutes after the second French goal.

And Marcus Thuram was disappointing again, despite an optimal configuration: in his San Siro garden with his preferred configuration, with two attackers, alongside Randal Kolo Muani.

Although he managed a powerful breakthrough (64th), the Inter striker was again technically imprecise, and here he is at only 2 goals in 29 selections.

But the results are good, the Blues will have a good end-of-year holiday after the criticism of the last few months. The absence of Kylian Mbappé, for the second consecutive gathering, went unnoticed on the pitch of a packed San Siro.

They can calmly await the draw for the quarter-finals on Friday. They will escape Germany, Spain and Portugal, also group leaders.

Les Bleus could meet the Netherlands, Denmark or Serbia and Croatia, Poland or Scotland, with a return match at home.

In a finally successful evening, they even had the good taste to win on the evening of the 31st anniversary of the terrible November 17, 1993, the last-minute defeat against Bulgaria that deprived Les Bleus of the 1994 World Cup. It's getting better.

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