Mounting what was a famous comeback on Friday night, Italy opened their Nations League adventure with a 3-1 victory against France in Paris.
Watching PSG starlet Bradley Barcola open the scoring with just 12 seconds on the clock as the 22-year-old pounced on the Azzurri’s mistake at the back, Les Bleus couldn’t have dreamt of a better start on home soil.
However, failing to find any kind of fluidity and build on their dramatic early advantage, Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco levelled with a sensational volley from Sandro Tonali’s flicked pass.
Despite never collecting a competitive victory in the French capital, Lucian Spalletti’s side came flying out of the traps after returning from the half-time break as Davide Frattesi produced a clinical finish.
With the French support audibly frustrated for large spells, Italy wrapped up what was a famous Nations League win as Tottenham defender Destiny Odogie linked up with Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori in the final 15 minutes.
Showing no signs of a hangover following on from their EURO 24 frustration over the summer, Italy couldn’t have wished for a better start here.
On a night when the Azzurri opened their Nations League campaign with a major statement of intent, we have taken a look at the key talking points from Paris.
Italy open their Nations League campaign with a famous scalp
Crashing out of the European Championships back on June 29th following an infamous 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in the Round of 16 stage, Italy have certainly found a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders.
Only just about dragging themselves to the knockout stage over the summer and failing to find any kind of stability on the major tournament stage, the Azzurri appeared to have another heavyweight challenge on their hands here.
Chasing a 1-0 deficit after handing France an early gift in the opening minute, Spalletti’s camp wouldn’t have been blamed for already starting to prepare for another backlash…
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Author : Tom Dunstan
Publish date : 2024-09-06 23:18:32
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