2' min
Luciano Spalletti’s new-look Italy secured a significant victory against France in the Nations League, defeating the Bleus 3-1 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The triumph was made even more memorable by the character shown by the Azzurri, who managed to overturn an early deficit with bold and assertive play.
The match seemed to start in the worst possible way for Italy, struck cold after just 12 seconds by a Barcola goal, exploiting a defensive lapse from Di Lorenzo. However, Spalletti’s side refused to be rattled: instead of retreating, the Azzurri responded with personality and tactical organization, turning the game around through the orchestrations of midfielders Ricci and Tonali, and the energy of wing-backs Cambiaso and Dimarco.
The equalizer came at the half-hour mark: a cross-field pass from Cambiaso set up Dimarco, who, after a spectacular one-two with Tonali, volleyed home with precision, sending the ball into the top corner. France, overly aggressive and defensively fragile, struggled to cope with Italy’s boldness.
In the second half, the decisive move was the introduction of Raspadori, who immediately injected energy into the Azzurri attack. After missing an initial chance, the Neapolitan striker played a key role in the 2-1 lead, recovering a misplaced ball from the French and setting up Retegui, who crossed perfectly for Frattesi. The Inter midfielder, always ready to surge forward, slotted the ball home to put Italy ahead.
With the advantage secured, Italy continued to dominate, sealing the 3-1 victory through a counterattack orchestrated by Udogie and finished by Raspadori, who expertly broke down the disorganized French defense. Spalletti utilized his substitutions smartly and managed the game with poise, while Deschamps’s late adjustments failed to turn the tide.
This victory not only redeems the Azzurri’s recent disappointments but also marks a crucial step in rebuilding a young and motivated squad. Italy, now leading Group B of League A in the Nations League alongside Belgium, looks confidently to the future with a real opportunity to secure a seeded spot for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
