Italy Shocks France 3-1 in Nations League Opener Despite Early Setback
In a dramatic twist at the Parc des Princes, Italy overcame an early setback to secure a stunning 3-1 victory over France in their Nations League Group A2 opener. The match began with an explosive start as Bradley Barcola stunned the Italian side by scoring just 12 seconds into the game. Barcola capitalized on a lapse from Giovanni Di Lorenzo, darting into the box and curling a shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma, setting the tone for what seemed like a difficult night for Italy.
However, Italy’s resilience quickly came to the fore. Federico Dimarco equalized for Italy in the 30th minute with a brilliant volley, thanks to a clever backheel pass from Sandro Tonali. The first half was a whirlwind of action, and as the teams went into the break tied, it was clear this game would be one for the ages.
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The second half saw Italy regain their composure and push forward. Just five minutes after the restart, Davide Frattesi gave Italy the lead, finishing coolly from a Mateo Retegui cross. As France struggled to respond, Italy continued to assert their dominance. Giacomo Raspadori’s 74th-minute goal added the finishing touch to Italy's performance, sending the away fans into raptures and silencing the home crowd.
Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, praised his team’s tenacity, especially highlighting Sandro Tonali’s performance despite concerns about his fitness. Spalletti’s tactical adjustments and the team's ability to recover from an early blow were instrumental in this memorable victory.
In the other Group A2 fixture, Belgium secured a 3-1 win over Israel, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice. The match, held behind closed doors in Hungary due to security concerns, saw Belgium's captain take charge, ensuring his team also started their campaign on a high.
Elsewhere in the Nations League, the action continued with notable performances in other groups. Norway’s Erling Haaland struggled to find the net in a goalless draw with Kazakhstan, while Slovenia and Austria shared points in a 1-1 draw. Cyprus edged out Lithuania 1-0 thanks to Ioannis Pittas, and Romania enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Kosovo, who finished the match with a red card.
The opening fixtures have set an exciting tone for the Nations League, with Italy’s dramatic win over France highlighting the unpredictable nature of international football.
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