France emerged victorious with a commanding 3-1 win over Italy in a Nations League Group 2 clash at the San Siro.
Also Read: UNL Match Report! Italy vs France Match Updates, News and Scores (17th November, 2024)
The result saw Didier Deschamps’ side claim the top spot in the group, thanks to a superior goal difference.
Adrien Rabiot scored twice, while Lucas Digne’s pinpoint deliveries and Manu Kone’s midfield mastery highlighted an impressive French performance.
Italy struggled to match the visitors’ intensity despite Andrea Cambiaso’s goal, which briefly brought them back into contention. France’s cohesive play and sharp finishing proved too much for Luciano Spalletti’s side.
Italy Player Ratings
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – 4/10
A shaky display in goal, failing to deal with Digne’s free-kick effectively. Lacked presence and confidence, especially in Donnarumma’s absence.
Andrea Cambiaso (RWB) – 7/10
A bright spark on the right flank, delivering Italy’s lone goal. Showed determination in attack but lacked consistent support from teammates.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (CB) – 6/10
Reliable defensively, often clearing dangerous balls. However, his impact on the match was minimal beyond defensive duties.
Alessandro Buongiorno (CB) – 5/10
Had difficulty containing Rabiot during set pieces and struggled to provide a commanding presence in defense.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) – 5/10
Overwhelmed by France’s attacking pace and intensity. Showed more attacking intent as the game progressed but lacked defensive composure.
Federico Dimarco (LWB) – 7/10
Created Cambiaso’s goal with skillful play on the left wing. Provided energy and creativity but was let down by teammates’ sluggishness.
Davide Frattesi (CM) – 5/10
Conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area and struggled to impose himself in midfield. Substituted in the second half.
Manuel Locatelli (CM) – 5.5/10
Failed to inject creativity into Italy’s midfield. Too often resorted to safe, backward passes that slowed Italy’s momentum.
Sandro Tonali (CM) – 6/10
Assisted in the build-up to Cambiaso’s goal but struggled to influence the game consistently. Showed occasional flashes of pace and skill.
Nicolo Barella (CAM) – 7/10
Dropped deep to dictate play but lacked support in attacking areas. His quality shone through despite Italy’s overall struggles.
Mateo Retegui (ST) – 4/10
Anonymous for most of the match, offering little in terms of movement or threat in the attacking third.
Substitutes:
- Moise Kean (66′) – 4/10: Showed intensity but failed to impact the game.
- Nicolo Rovella (66′) – 4/10: Brought physicality but lacked composure in key moments.
- Giacomo Raspadori (66′) – 4.5/10: Added energy but failed to influence the outcome.
- Daniel Maldini (78′) – 4/10: Struggled with possession and had minimal impact.
- Destiny Udogie (83′) – 5/10: Looked promising in limited time but had few opportunities.
France Player Ratings
Mike Maignan (GK) – 5.5/10
Made one crucial save late in the game but was largely untested. Unable to prevent Cambiaso’s goal.
Jules Kounde (RB) – 6/10
Had difficulty handling Dimarco on the flank. Showed determination defensively but lacked precision in distribution.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) – 7/10
Dominant in the air and composed under pressure. Played a key role in keeping Italy at bay during their late push.
William Saliba (CB) – 7/10
Quick to react to loose balls and maintained defensive discipline throughout the match.
Lucas Digne (LB) – 8.5/10
Delivered two sublime assists for Rabiot and nearly scored with a stunning free-kick. A creative force on the left.
Matteo Guendouzi (CM) – 6.5/10
Energetic but wasteful in front of goal. Picked up a late yellow card for time-wasting.
Manu Kone (CM) – 9/10
Controlled the midfield with his passing and ball recoveries. Rarely misplaced a pass and disrupted Italy’s flow effectively.
Adrien Rabiot (CM) – 7.5/10
Scored two headers to secure the win. Contributed defensively but didn’t dominate the midfield as expected.
Christopher Nkunku (CAM) – 8/10
Found space between the lines and was a constant threat with his creativity. One of France’s most dangerous players.
Marcus Thuram (ST) – 6/10
Worked hard off the ball but lacked precision in key moments.
Randal Kolo Muani (ST) – 6.5/10
Showed determination but struggled to break down Italy’s defense consistently.
Substitutes:
- Bradley Barcola (78′) – 5/10: Involved sparingly as Italy dominated possession late on.
- Benjamin Pavard (82′) – N/A: Brought on to shore up the defense in the closing stages.
Man of the Match: Manu Kone
Kone’s dominance in midfield made him the standout player. His composure, passing accuracy, and ball-winning ability ensured France controlled the game’s tempo.
