France Leapfrog Italy in Nations League Group with Win at San Siro
Match Report
Adrien Rabiot fired France to first place in their Nations League group with a headed brace in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Italy at the San Siro.
France Take Top Spot
Ex-Juventus midfielder Rabiot netted from Lucas Digne set-pieces in each half at the home of his former Milanese rivals to ensure that Les Bleus leapfrogged Italy into top spot in Group A2 on goal difference, with both teams already in the quarter-finals before kick-off.
Digne’s Crucial Role
Digne — like Rabiot making his 50th appearance for his country — was also crucial to France’s second goal, as it was his stunning free-kick in the 33rd minute which crashed out off the woodwork and into the net off Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
France’s Dominant Performance
France were on their way to top spot when Digne forced home via Vicario’s back as they needed to win by at least two goals to move above Italy. Andrea Cambiaso’s neat first-time finish moments after Digne’s strike put Italy back on top on head-to-head record, due to their 3-1 win in Paris back in September. However, Rabiot stepped up in the 65th minute to give France a positive end to what has been a tumultuous international break, with captain Kylian Mbappe left at home with little explanation from coach Didier Deschamps and a fraught goalless draw with Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday.
Italy’s Lack of Quality
Italy ‘lacking quality’ was clear among the more than 68,000 fans at the San Siro, with the majority of the empty seats located in the sparsely-populated away section given to the French supporters. France were the better team but created very little from open play, while Cambiaso’s strike was the result of a fine passing move and excellent work from Federico Dimarco, whose give-and-go with Sandro Tonali ended with a teasing cross for the Juventus winger to tuck home.
Set-Pieces Prove Costly
And substitute Moise Kean came close to reclaiming top spot for Italy deep in stoppage time when his stinging shot was well-saved by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, one of a number of players competing in familiar surroundings. However, Italy’s fragility from set-pieces continued to be a concern, with the last six goals they have conceded coming from such situations.
Conclusion
France’s win sees them top Group A2, while Italy will look to regroup and bounce back from their disappointing performance. The Azzurri’s lack of quality and vulnerability from set-pieces will be areas of concern for coach Roberto Mancini, but they can take heart from their quarter-final spot.
FAQs
Q: How did France secure top spot in Group A2?
A: France secured top spot in Group A2 with a 3-1 win over Italy at the San Siro, thanks to Adrien Rabiot’s headed brace.
Q: Who else made their 50th appearance for France?
A: Lucas Digne made his 50th appearance for France alongside Adrien Rabiot.
Q: Why was Gianluigi Donnarumma left out of the Italy starting lineup?
A: Donnarumma was left out of the Italy starting lineup reportedly due to a stomach bug.
Q: How many goals have Italy conceded from set-pieces in their last six matches?
A: Italy have conceded six goals from set-pieces in their last six matches.