Nations League, France-Italy 1-1

Mancini and Zidane, in different words, had said and repeated it: France-Italy is never just another match. Zinedine Zidane's grand return to the Stade de France at the helm of Les Bleus against the newborn Italy branded Mancini 2.0 did not disappoint expectations. Above all, the Azzurri side — who reached 1-1 through Bastoni after the great free kick that made it 1-0 for Olise — held their own against the Bleus and once again spoiled the party for Zizou, cheered more than any of his own players by the 77,000 at the Stade de France. France is packed with champions and comes off three World Cups without Italy — with a win, a second place and a fourth place — tournaments the Azzurri only ever watched on TV. Italy disappointed in their opener against Belgium, spectacularly redeemed themselves against Turkey four days later, and tonight confirmed their growth. As a team, as individuals, and above all in their idea of play and their ability to follow and read the score sheet of their conductor. Solid in defense, where Donnarumma saved the result at least 3 times; excellent in the center of the pitch, with Bastoni in fine form confirming himself as a goalscorer; flexible and never static with the midfielders, in particular Frattesi. The attack rediscovered Kean's bursts, though he missed in front of goal. The proof that the Azzurri believe in their coach's game plan is that in 90 minutes they never wasted a ball — every exit from defense was a potential counterattack. And the clearest chances were Azzurri ones. In the first half, the script written by Mancini was interpreted to perfection by the executors on the pitch: impeccable defense, a midfield that covered and restarted without ever wasting a ball, attackers willing to sacrifice. The two — the only — great chances of the first 45 minutes were for Italy: in the 9th minute, Sebastiano Esposito set off down the right and found Kayode, who delivered a perfect ball to the far post for Kean, who arrived and surprised Kalulu. The Como striker, however, ruined everything, shooting the ball straight at Maignan with the goal wide open. Two goalmouth scrambles 4 minutes from the end of the first half freed Frattesi in the center of the area, and with his right foot he sent it just wide. Then it was Kean who celebrated for a moment, but his goal was disallowed for a clear offside. These were the flashes of a first half in which France had the initiative throughout but never managed to break through the wall of Bastoni and Scalvini in the center, well protected by the midfield and in particular by Frattesi. The teams went into the break with the Azzurri the only ones with regrets. But upon returning to the pitch, Mancini's impeccable script could no longer hold the stage. The Bleus immediately changed pace, and application and determination were no longer enough: after 4 minutes, Donnarumma parried but could not hold onto a Doué shot, then on Dembelé's rebound from two steps away he performed a true miracle. France was unstoppable; Olise broke away and shot, captain Gigio stretched out and denied him the goal. But he could do nothing when Olise stepped up to take a free kick awarded for a Fagioli foul (booked) on Cherki. The Bayern attacker's left foot strike was perfect, into the far corner away from Donnarumma, and the Bleus led. Italy floundered, France seemed in control, Mancini brought on Vergara and Barella for Pio Esposito and Fagioli, but the match still seemed an uphill battle. Until the 68th minute, when, after reappearing in the opponents' half by pressing the Bleus defenders, Italy equalized: a grave sin of presumption by France in clearing the ball, Da Cunha fell asleep and Bastoni arrived like a bullet in the attacking third, stole the ball from him, advanced and beat Maignan. A minute later, another stunning Donnarumma save on Rabiot. The match ended with the Azzurri who could have scored again, especially when Upamecano left his side with 10 men for a foul on Kean. But 1-1 is the fairest result, also because another Donnarumma miracle saved the result in stoppage time. The Azzurri confirm they are on the right path. Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA