Italy pulled off a surprising 3-1 victory against France in their Nations League opener, overcoming an early setback and a key injury to Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. The match saw an array of thrilling moments, including standout performances from Italy’s midfield and a dramatic start by France.
Calafiori Forced Off After Early Injury
Riccardo Calafiori’s night was cut short following an unfortunate accident involving Ousmane Dembele. The French winger was tackled, and as he fell, his studs made contact with Calafiori’s leg. Although the defender initially tried to continue, he was eventually substituted after a few minutes on the field, signaling concerns for his club, Arsenal.
France Strike First, Italy Respond with Flair
France wasted no time in taking the lead, with Bradley Barcola capitalizing on an Italian error just 12 seconds into the game. After intercepting a wayward pass, Barcola surged into the penalty area and calmly slotted the ball past the Italian goalkeeper.
Italy nearly equalized moments later when Davide Frattesi’s powerful header struck the crossbar. The breakthrough came from Federico Dimarco, who produced a stunning volley following a clever flicked pass by Sandro Tonali. This goal marked a significant moment for Tonali, who returned to the international stage after serving a 10-month suspension for gambling violations.
Frattesi and Raspadori Secure Victory
Italy came out strong in the second half, with Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi giving them the lead. He finished coolly from a Mateo Retegui pass, showcasing Italy’s attacking prowess. The Italians sealed the win when Giacomo Raspadori, controlling a pass from Destiny Udogie with impressive skill, beat William Saliba to score the third goal.
