Rabiot Shines As France Defeat Italy To Win Nations League Group.
Adrien Rabiot scored two outstanding headers as France secured a 3-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro, overtaking the Azzurri to top Nations League Group A2.
The Marseille midfielder opened the scoring with a well-timed header from Lucas Digne’s corner, marking the start of an impressive night for Les Bleus. Aston Villa defender Digne was also instrumental in France’s second goal, as his free-kick struck the crossbar before deflecting in off Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Italy, who only needed to avoid a two-goal defeat to secure the group’s top spot, found a glimmer of hope when Andrea Cambiaso converted a cushioned volley. However, Rabiot dashed their comeback efforts with an exquisite header into the top corner from another precise Digne free-kick, cementing the result for France.
Both Rabiot and Digne celebrated their 50th international caps in style, playing pivotal roles in France’s victory. Meanwhile, Mike Maignan ensured Italy’s frustrations deepened by denying Moise Kean a late goal that could have shifted the group dynamics.
Reflecting on the match, Maignan expressed satisfaction after France avenged their 3-1 defeat to Italy at the Parc des Princes in September:
“We were out for revenge. It was about pride after losing at home against them.”
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps, who notably left Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe out of the squad, praised his side’s youthful performance.
“We had a young squad. I wanted to see a lot of players, and winning here against an Italian team who were full of confidence is a great performance,” he remarked.
This result marked Italy’s heaviest competitive home defeat since their 3-0 loss to Sweden in 1983. Despite the setback, both teams had already secured places in the Nations League quarter-finals scheduled for March. France’s group win ensures they will be seeded, while Italy will face a tougher path as an unseeded side.
The victory not only demonstrated France’s resilience but also set a strong tone for their campaign in the upcoming knockout stages.
