Although Bradley Barcola scored the fastest-ever goal in the UEFA Nations League, the French won’t keep this game in their memories. The Azzurri came from behind thanks to Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori’s goals, and completely shocked the home team, snatching the first-ever triumph over France at Parc des Princes – 3-1.##NAJAVA_MECA_8318215##France beat Italy in their three previous clashes – all friendly – and the Azzurri have waited for a victory over Les Blues since the EURO 2008. Still, when these two teams are mentioned, everyone immediately remembers the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the grand final in Berlin, Zinedine Zidane’s inglorious career end, his brawl with Marco Materazzi, and the Italians’ triumph on penalties.Didier Deschamps gave Michael Olise a chance to debut in the national team as a part of the offensive trio behind Kylian Mbappe, alongside Bradley Barcola and Antoine Griezmann. In the Italian lineup, Sandro Tonali was back after suspension, while Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini and Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui were in charge of goals.It took only 14 seconds for Les Blues to break the deadlock! Andrea Cambiaso passed the ball back to the hesitant Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Barcola used the confusion among the Azzurri, stole the ball, and scored his first international goal – 1-0! The Azzurri answered six minutes later when Davide Frattesi’s header crashed against the bar, while Retegui sent the deflection off the target. A much calmer stage of the game followed as France lurked at the possibility of opening quick counterattacks through Barcola, Griezmann, and Mbappe, while Italy had the possession but made no significant opportunities. Until the 30th minute and Federico Dimarco’s outstanding strike! Inter Milan’s defender played a one-two pass with Tonali and unleashed a terrific first-touch effort into Mike Maignan’s net – 1-1!Barcola threatened once more in the 39th minute but his deflected shot went slightly wide of the post. In the end the teams were even at the break, even though France were better, having more dangerous and serious opportunities.We’ve seen ‘Siuu’ 900 times, but it’s far from over: “I have more dreams”The Azzurri made a complete turnover six minutes into the second half. Youssouf Fofana lost the ball to Retegui, who made a run and found Frattesi in the box with a perfect cross. Another Inter’s player was impeccable from close range for 2-1! Frattesi could have completed a brace in the 59th minute after a corner, but Maignan superbly stopped his header.Unfortunately for Arsenal fans and Mikel Arteta, Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury halfway through the second half and had to leave the pitch for Alessandro Buongiorno. Sixteen minutes before the end, the Azzurri seemed to have completely knocked Deschamps’ crew out! Destiny Udogie attacked from the left flank, found Giacomo Raspadori in the middle, and Napoli’s forward made no mistake for 3-1!2008 – Before Federico Dimarco’s goal, the last Italy player to find the net against France in an official match (excluded friendlies) was Daniele De Rossi at EURO 2008. Shock.#UEFANationsLeague #francevsitaly— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 6, 2024 After conceding the third goal, France solely focused on the attack, trying to at least reduce the gap, at the same time leaving much space for the Italian counterattacks, led by Udogie and Frattesi. Ousmane Dembele and Barcola made numerous crosses, but the Italian defence, especially Di Lorenzo, who completely redeemed himself for the initial mistake, was impeccable.Ultimately, France threatened but without any concrete effect and the Italians deservedly emerged triumphant. In the other Group 2 match, Belgium brushed Israel aside 3-1 and will face Les Blues in the next round.UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE – GROUP STAGEFridayKazakhstan – Norway 0-0Lithuania – Cyprus 0-1 (0-1)/Pittas 34/France – Italy 1-3 (1-1)/Barcola 1 – Dimarco 30, Frattesi 51, Raspadori 74/Belgium – Israel 3-1 (1-1)/De Bruyne 21, 53 pen, Tielemans 48 – Castagne 36 og/Slovenia – Austria 1-1 (1-1)/Sesko 16 pen – Laimer 28/Wales – Turkey 0-0Iceland – Montenegro 2-0 (1-0)/Oskarsson 39, Thorsteinsson 59/
