Italy Stuns France 3-1 in Nations League Opener

Italy secured a surprising 3-1 victory over France in their Nations League opener, despite losing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori to injury. Calafiori was hurt in a freak accident when Ousmane Dembele’s tackle followed by a collision with another player’s studs, left him unable to continue after attempting to play on. France took an early lead with Bradley Barcola scoring just 12 seconds into the match.

Barcola intercepted an Italy pass and slotted the ball into the net. Italy nearly equalized shortly after when Davide Frattesi’s header struck the crossbar. Federico Dimarco brought Italy level with a stunning volley following a flicked pass from Sandro Tonali. This match marked Tonali’s return to international play after a 10-month suspension for breaching gambling rules.

Italy then took control in the second half when Frattesi scored again, this time finishing clinically from Mateo Retegui’s pass. Giacomo Raspadori added a third goal for Italy with a deft piece of control and finish from a Destiny Udogie pass. In contrast, Michael Olise, born in London and playing for Bayern Munich made his senior debut for France.

Olise had previously represented France in the summer Olympic Games. Despite their defeat, France’s early advantage and promising play from debutants like Olise highlighted their potential but Italy’s resilient performance and clinical finishing secured them a memorable win.