Adrien Rabiot Shines as France Top Italy in 3-1 Victory at San Siro

Adrien Rabiot scored twice with headers to lead France to a 3-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro securing top spot in Nations League Group A2. Rabiot opened the scoring after meeting Lucas Digne’s corner and then Digne’s free-kick deflected off Italy’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario doubling France’s lead. Despite Italy’s hopes of finishing first, their position depended on a narrow loss. Andrea Cambiaso’s volley offered a glimmer of hope for Italy but Rabiot’s second header from Digne’s free-kick sealed the win for France.

Both Adrien Rabiot and Digne earned their 50th caps in the match. Italy’s Moise Kean nearly leveled deep into injury time but his shot was saved by France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who reflected on the match saying, “We were out for revenge,” referencing Italy’s 3-1 win over France in September. This defeat marked Italy’s heaviest home loss in a competitive fixture since a 3-0 defeat to Sweden in 1983.

France’s coach Didier Deschamps, who left Kylian Mbappé out of the squad, praised the young squad, stating, “Winning here against an Italian team full of confidence is a great performance.” Both teams had already secured spots in the Nations League quarter-finals for March with France earning a seeded position and Italy missing out on seeding due to their final group standing.

The victory highlighted France’s strength and depth as they topped the group with an impressive performance in Milan.