Football/ Italy – France (1-3)
To finish first in their group in the Nations League, France needed to win by two goals against Italy. Mission accomplished: the French won 3-1 in Milan, avoiding Germany, Spain, or Portugal in the quarterfinals.
Already qualified for the quarterfinals, France faced Italy, who were also through. After losing 3-1 at the Parc des Princes in September, the French were eager for revenge. Didier Deschamps chose a 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Nkunku supporting forwards Kolo Muani and Thuram. In the 2nd minute, Rabiot opened the scoring with a header from a corner (0-1).
France controlled the game, and despite a great save from Maignan against Barella (9′), they doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. Digne scored from a brilliant free-kick, his shot hitting the bar and then the goalkeeper’s back before going in (0-2). Italy responded quickly, with Cambiaso scoring (1-2, 34′), but France went into halftime with the lead.
In the second half, the French continued to dominate, and Rabiot, putting in a standout performance, added a second goal (1-3, 66′) from another assist by Digne. With this win, France finished top of their group.
