Explore the details of Rabiot’s standout performance as he secures a brace, propelling France to a 3-1 win and a spot in the quarterfinals.
Introduction:
The match was spectacular as France edged out Italy with a 3-1 win in the UEFA Nations League clash at San Siro to top Group A2. While both were tactically excellent, two headed goals by Adrien Rabiot and some pinpoint set pieces by Lucas Digne made all the difference for Les Bleus.
Rabiot Gives France an Early Lead
France started well, as France took immediate control. It took only a few minutes before Lucas Digne whipped a perfectly executed left-corner into the congested penalty area, where Adrien Rabiot, going unmarked, outmuscled the Italian defense to steer an exquisite header into the net. Somehow, Dimarco headed the shot with a valiant effort, which remained valid as France took a 1-0 lead.
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The early goal set the tone, with France dominating possession throughout the opening exchanges. Italy struggled to find their rhythm and, more importantly, complete thoughts in midfield, where control was seized by Tonali and Frattesi.
Digne Doubles France’s Lead
France tightened their grip on proceedings as the match wore on. Their confidence reached its peak when Lucas Digne stepped up to take a free-kick from the left channel. His curling strike from distance benefited from the crossbar and a deflection off Vicario to give France a two-goal cushion.
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Digne’s brilliance and attacking prowess were underlined, but it shocked the Italian crowd. The Azzurri had already been put on the backfoot, leaving an uphill task to win over a dominant France side.
Clinical Finish by Cambiaso
Italy, though, were not about to give up the opportunity without a fight. Dimarco coordinated an immediate counterattack, a quick one-two and a looping cross into the penalty area. Italy’s Andrea Cambiaso was on the mark, perfectly placed to meet the ball with a composed left-footed finish, leaving France’s defense scrambling and slicing the deficit to 2-1.
The aim revitalized the Italian faithful, who roared their approval as their side gained a foothold in the match. Cambiaso’s strike highlighted the resilience of men under Luciano Spalletti, who showcased glimpses of brilliance despite a disturbing inability to keep hold of possession.
Second Header to Dominate the Game
France regained the initiative after Italy’s brief revival. Once again, Adrien Rabiot was at the height of his game. Another free kick from Lucas Digne found Rabiot in an ideal position. Standing over the defense once more, the No. 14 placed a precise header past Vicario into the far post to restore France’s two-goal lead.
This marked the end of Italy’s hopes of a comeback. Koundé and Upamecano made France’s defense line remain tight, and France never let Italy’s striker Retegui get through their line, forcing the Azzurri to restart attacks from deep time and again.
France’s Possession Composure
Throughout the match, France controlled the game better, tactically disciplined with superior ball control. Nkunku’s astute movement opened spaces in midfield. Digne and Koundé gave support on the flanks. Italy rarely completed passes in that attacking third.
Spalletti tried to inject a bit of energy into his side through high-pressing bouts, but these resulted in at times opening up spaces behind their defense for France to attack into. However, the game put clear lines between the two sides on the day.
What This Win Says for France
France won to both avenge their previous 3-1 defeat at the hands of Italy and claim their victory at the top of Group A2. But overall, it testified to Didier Deschamps’ ability to make a cohesive mix, combining defensive stability with offensive creativity.
The match revealed the two stars, with Adrien Rabiot superb, seeing his two goals serve as the quintessence of aerial superiority and quick positioning. Lucas Digne’s mastery of set pieces also featured in two out of the three goals.
Italy’s Disappointment and Lessons Ahead
For Italy, the defeat was a bitter reminder of their vulnerabilities against top-tier opposition. While Spalletti’s men showed resilience, their inability to sustain attacking pressure ultimately cost them. The midfield trio of Barella, Tonali, and Frattesi worked tirelessly but often lacked the incisiveness needed to challenge France’s solid defensive line.
A Quarterfinals Preview
Italy also qualified for the quarterfinals, but victory here gives France a psychological advantage going into the next round. Les Bleus mix of experience and youth that proved too much in this encounter must be an ominous sign for the rest of Europe’s elite, but Italy needs to sort out its inconsistency too.