Italy Triumphs Over France in Nations League After Early Setback

In a stunning UEFA Nations League showdown in Paris, Italy rebounded impressively from conceding a goal just 13 seconds into the match, ultimately defeating France 3-1. The goals came from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori, showcasing Italy’s resilience.

Photo captured Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s revered goalkeeper, celebrating alongside his teammates after clinching victory at the Parc des Princes during this Group A2 encounter on September 6, 2024 (Photo: AFP).

Bradley Barcola ignited the contest with an astonishingly quick goal, marking the fastest-ever strike by a French player. However, France failed to capitalize on this electrifying start, allowing Italy to seize control and emerge with a well-deserved victory. This win provides a much-needed lift for Luciano Spalletti’s squad, especially after a disappointing exit in Euro 2024, where they bowed out against Switzerland in the Round of 16.

This inaugural match in the Nations League sees Italy share the top spot in Group A2 with Belgium, who secured a 3-1 win over Israel in another fixture that day. Italy’s next challenge is against Israel on Monday, a match relocated to Budapest due to the volatile security situation in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, France, captained by Kylian Mbappe, endured a lackluster performance, and they will seek redemption against Belgium in Lyon, a rematch of their recent Euro 2024 knockout round clash, which Les Bleus won narrowly, 1-0. Despite reaching the semi-finals, the squad, under Didier Deschamps, left Euro 2024 disappointed after their loss to the eventual champions, Spain.

Deschamps gave Michael Olise, a London-born talent, his debut on the right wing. The young winger recently shone in the French squad that claimed an Olympic silver medal. Barcola also earned a starting nod, marking his second full international appearance, and he wasted no time in making his mark.

Italy began the match but quickly fell victim to Barcola’s high press, resulting in him stealing the ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and scoring. This strike came a full ten seconds quicker than the previous record for the fastest goal at a European Championship, set by Albania.

Barcola’s achievement overtook the former French record held by Bernard Lacombe, who scored in 38 seconds during the 1978 World Cup. While France triumphed in that match, Italy showed their mettle by responding swiftly. They almost equalized in the sixth minute when Frattesi hit the bar with a header.

Italy’s equalizer arrived at the half-hour mark: Dimarco received a cross from Andrea Cambiaso, returned it swiftly to Sandro Tonali, and volleyed brilliantly into the far corner. Five minutes after halftime, Frattesi intercepted a pass from Youssouf Fofana, initiating a counter-attack that culminated in a goal from Mateo Retegui’s assist.

France made tactical changes, substituting Olise for Ousmane Dembele and introducing midfielder Manu Kone, who made his first international appearance. However, Italy came close to extending their lead again when Frattesi forced a fantastic save from Mike Maignan, who responded well to a corner header.

The clinching third goal materialized in the 74th minute when Raspadori, unmarked in the box, received a pass from fellow substitute Destiny Udogie. His deft first touch navigated past William Saliba, paving the way for an easy finish.

As the final whistle blew, the home crowd’s reaction was mixed, blending indifference with occasional jeers, leaving France to ponder a night of missed opportunities and early disappointments.