Italy shocks France with a decisive 3-1 win in the UEFA Nations League. Read about the match’s pivotal moments and what this means for both teams.
Introduction:
Italy pulled off the real spectacle on September 6, 2024, when it defeated France 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League Group A2 match. The doggedness and tactical discipline proved just what the Italian team needed to turn the tables on an early setback as the Azzurri came from behind after an early French goal to secure a crucial victory in this mouth-watering encounter at Parc des Princes in Paris. This victory, which sealed Italy’s first in Paris for 70 years, was another example of the way it is setting about grasping opportunities presented to it in high-pressure situations.
See also: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Milestone Leads Portugal to 2-1 Nations League Victory Over Croatia
France’s Lightning Start
The match started in explosive fashion: France took the lead after just 13 seconds from the whistle. Marcus Thuram was sharp right from the first whistle as he was undaunted on an immediate surge forward. After a swift buildup, Thuram found the back of the net to send the home crowd into rapturous applause. One of the fastest goals in UEFA Nations League history, this gave France a good psychological advantage over their opponents and put Italy under immediate pressure.
Italy was not rattled by the setback in the early moments and regrouped quickly to change their strategy in light of falling behind. With this early lead, France managed to dominate possession in the opening exchanges. The menacing figure in France’s attack, Kylian Mbappé, looked to be enterprising as he continued to test the Italian backline with his pace and movement. However, the Italians did not give way and made sure they did not concede more goals during the initial French dominance.
Raspadori Leads Italy’s Response
The response was quick to come from Italy, though, through Giacomo Raspadori, who became the fulcrum of this Italian resurgence. His first goal came at the midpoint of the first half as Italy launched a quick counter-attack that saw the French defense catch cold. Nicolò Barella initiated the counter with an exact through ball to Raspadori. The striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan to level the score at 1-1
That equalizer changed the momentum, and Italy started to assert themselves better. Still, France was creating the pressure, but Italy’s disciplined defensive organization marshaled by experienced centre-backs Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Bastoni kept them at bay. The French attack was getting increasingly frustrated as Italy found more spaces to hit back down the flanks left exposed by the enterprising French full-backs.
Second-Half Dominance
The second half was off to a high-intensity start from both sides, yet Italy was able to strike that telling blow once again through Raspadori this time in clinical fashion to put them in front. Again, it was one of those quick transitions that finally presented Italy with the gap to operate in France’s backline. That second strike was a hammer blow to this French team, suddenly putting them on the back foot.
Desperate France tried to get back into the game with the score at 2-1, and the few promising positions that Mbappé could find were either blocked or saved by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The frustration mounted in the French ranks as time wore on with Italy’s defense, especially the midfield, growing in dominance in breaking up play.
Chiesa Clinched It
Finally, it was Italy, nailing it down in the final minutes of the match through Chiesa. A speedy Juventus winger with silky technical ability received the ball and somehow managed to position himself in a dangerous place right at the edge of the penalty box. With a delicate touch, Chiesa beat his marker and struck a powerful shot into the bottom corner of the net, with Maignan having absolutely no chance. The goal silenced the home crowd, confirming Italy’s dominance, as France’s late hopes were dissolved.
Defensive Masterclass and Tactical Discipline
Much of Italy’s success in this match was due to their tactical discipline and defensive organization. It could be told that coach Luciano Spalletti prepared his team to absorb France’s pressure while remaining lethal on the counter-attack. The Italian midfield marshaled by Barella and Manuel Locatelli disrupted French attacks on many occasions and set on quick transitions. The skill of reading this game, disrupting France’s rhythm, counted much for Italy in this match.
With France dominating possession, struggling to break down an extremely well-organized Italian defense, Mbappé-who had bright, sparkling moments-was often left alone and unable to link up effectively with his teammates. Meanwhile, the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé similarly failed to make an impact as Italy’s defenders were disciplined and focused throughout.
Conclusion: Italy Shocks France with historic victory
This Italy team, though, started making statements with their 3-1 victory over France not only in the Nations League but most historically, too. For the first time in 70 years, the Azzurri had won in Paris-a sign that this team possesses the mettle to see out the most testing of nights. Raspadori’s clinical finishing and Chiesa’s winner were the bright lights of an all-round team display as their backline ensured that an off-color French attack, spearheaded by Mbappé, offered very little.
It was a salutary reminder for France that early goals do not necessarily guarantee wins, for from their bright opening, they were outplayed by a tactically superior Italian side, leaving them much to ponder as they go further into the Nations League campaign