Adrien Rabiot delivered a performance to remember, scoring two vital headers as France defeated Italy 3-1 at the iconic San Siro. This emphatic victory secured Les Bleus the top spot in Nations League Group A2, showcasing the talent and depth of Didier Deschamps’ youthful squad.
How the Match Played Out
The game began with both teams displaying caution and tactical discipline, but it was France who broke the deadlock early. Marseille’s Adrien Rabiot, in superb form, met a pinpoint corner from Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne, heading the ball past Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to give the visitors a deserved lead.
France soon doubled their advantage with a stroke of luck. Digne’s expertly struck free-kick hit the crossbar before deflecting off Vicario and into the net. At 2-0, France appeared firmly in control, while Italy scrambled to regain their footing.
Despite the uphill battle, the Azzurri found a glimmer of hope. Andrea Cambiaso skillfully volleyed a cushioned cross into the French net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, France was not to be denied. Rabiot rose once again, this time meeting Digne’s left-wing free-kick with a powerful header that soared into the top corner. His second goal sealed the match and underscored France’s dominance.
Celebrations and Near Misses
The night was significant for both Rabiot and Digne, as they celebrated their 50th international caps with standout performances. Italy, meanwhile, came close to a dramatic late turnaround when Moise Kean unleashed a powerful shot deep into injury time. Yet, Mike Maignan, France’s steadfast goalkeeper, produced a crucial save to preserve the scoreline.
Maignan later reflected on the team’s determination, fueled by their loss to Italy in Paris earlier in the campaign. “We were out for revenge,” he said. “It was about pride after losing at home against them.”
A Historic Defeat for Italy
The loss marked Italy’s heaviest home defeat in a competitive match since a 3-0 drubbing by Sweden in 1983. Coach Roberto Mancini cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines but admitted the quality of the opposition was undeniable.
For Didier Deschamps, the win was particularly satisfying. Fielding a youthful side and leaving out star player Kylian Mbappé, the French coach seized the opportunity to evaluate his squad’s depth. “We had a young squad,” Deschamps noted. “I wanted to see a lot of players, and winning here against an Italian team full of confidence is a great performance.”
The Road to the Quarter-Finals
Both nations had already secured places in the Nations League quarter-finals, but the final standings in Group A2 carried significant implications. France’s victory earned them a seeded position, likely granting them a more favorable draw. Italy, now unseeded, faces a tougher path ahead.
The competitive nature of the Nations League was on full display, with the tournament continuing to grow in prestige among Europe’s elite teams. Both sides will now shift their focus to fine-tuning their strategies for the next phase, scheduled for March.
A Statement Win for Les Bleus
For French fans, this performance was more than just a victory—it was a statement of intent. Rabiot’s standout display and Digne’s consistent contributions highlighted the team’s adaptability and resilience, even in a challenging away environment.
As the final whistle echoed through the San Siro, France’s players celebrated not only topping their group but also sending a message to the rest of Europe. With their depth and determination, Les Bleus have shown they are ready to contend for Nations League glory.
The journey continues for both teams, but for now, it’s France who stands tall, poised for success in the next stage of the competition.