France ruined the party for Italy and the 68 thousand of San Siro beating the Azzurri 3-1 and grabbing first place in group 2 of League A of the Nations League at the last minute.
Decisive Rabiot’s brace with two headers in the third minute and in the 65th together with a free kick from Digne deflected into the net by Vicario who started due to the intestinal virus that stopped Donnarumma. Cambiaso’s goal in the 65th minute wasn’t enough for the Azzurri: the defeat by two goals meant they were relegated to second place in the group.
The French started strong straight away and took the lead in the third minute: from a corner Rabiot headed Buongiorno and put it into the net, despite Dimarco’s desperate attempt at a clearance. In the 32nd minute the Bleus double the lead: Frattesi is forced to foul Nkunku launched on the counterattack and is booked. On the free kick from 26 meters Digne hits the crossbar then bounces off Vicario’s back and ends up in the net.
This time Italy reacts immediately and in the 35th minute closes the gap with Cambiaso who scores a cross from the back from Dimarco after a nice triangulation.
In the second half, however, France scored their third goal, once again from a set piece: in the 65th minute, Rabiot headed in a free kick from Digne who again mocked Vicario. In the final attack by the Azzurri who came close to scoring in injury time with Kean.
The scoreboard
ITALIA Vicar 5.5; Di Lorenzo 5.5, Buongiorno 5, Bastoni 5.5; Cambiaso 6.5 (33rd st Maldini 5.5), Frattesi 5.5 (22’st Raspadori 5.5), Locatelli 5.5 (22’st Rovella 6), Tonali 6, Dimarco 6 (38’st Udogie sv); Stretcher 5.5, Retegui 5 (22’st Kean 6). On the bench: Donnarumma, Meret, Savona, Gatti, Okoli, Comuzzo, Pisilli. Coach: Spalletti 5.5.
FRANCE (4-3-1-2): Maignan 6; Koundé 6 (37’st Pavard 6), Konaté 6.5, Saliba 6.5, Digne 7; Guendouzi 6.5, Koné 6.5, Rabiot 7.5; Nkunku 5.5; Thuram 5 (33’st Barcola 5.5), Kolo Muani 5. On the bench: Samba, Chevalier, Upamecano, Olise, Coman, Zaire-Emery, Theo Hernandez. Coach: Deschamps 6.5.
REFEREE: Vincic (Slo) 6. GOALS: 2’pt, Rabiot, 33’pt aut. Vicario, 35’pt Cambiaso, 20th st Rabiot
NOTE: Peaceful evening, pitch in good condition. Spectators present: 68,158. Revenue: 1,652,799 euros (record for an Italian match). Booked: Frattesi, Kolo Muani, Guendouzi. Corners: 3-3. Recovery time: 1′, 4′.