France started their Nations League campaign against Italy. The French team had resumed international football after several weeks of break from their last game. Their previous outing was against Spain in the semifinals of the Euro 2024 tournament which they lost 2-1.
Coach Didier Deschamps had earlier highlighted a lot of weaknesses in the team, whilst hoping for improvement in their game against Italy. Moreover, Le Bleus’ game against Italy didn’t take the palatable turn Didier Deschamps would have wanted. The French team found themselves taken apart by their old foe.
France vs. Italy First Half
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Before the game, Deschamps had spoken about a series of injury challenges the team was facing. This allowed him to make some minor changes to the lineup. France started great in the first half as they took the lead from Bradley Barcola. The PSG star had a great run in behind the defense to slot in a fine finish punishing the Italians for their poor defensive cover.
Italians tried a quick response but they were denied by Mike Maignan. The French team could have extended the lead further, however, they failed to find the target on a couple of occasions. Soon Italy found the equalizer thanks to a beautiful flick from Tonali that freed up Di Marco who wasted no time in putting the ball in the top corner. The first half had ended with a goal each from the two sides.
France vs. Italy: Second half
The second half came and Le Bleus failed to manage the game. Five minutes into the second half Frattesi took the lead for Italy with Retegui providing the assists. This placed the French side under a lot of pressure. Chance flew around with the likes of Mbappe having to opportunity to equalize. However, the French side was not clinical enough. Italy on the other waited patiently for another opportunity and it came.
Destiny Udogie had a blistering run down the left-hand side causing a lot of confusion amidst the French defense. In the aftermath, he lays it off to Rapsadori who beats Saliba to a duel and eventually slots past Maignan to give Italy a strong lead.
In the end, France found themselves slumping to another defeat.
Didier Deschamps on the Loss
Didier Deschamps reveals that irrespective of the loss he will continue to experiment with the team, whilst introducing new players. He said: “It’s a question of balance/imbalance, the team is young and some made their debuts today, I know that by not putting the starting team on the pitch I took some risks and this damaged the overall performance.”
He added: “The defense has changed, I’ve already said that. The time has come to give playing time to as many players as possible and tonight in front of high-level opponents we paid dearly,” the manager said. In the next game that vision of things will not change, it is time to do it.”
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