2024-11-17 22:26:00
Facing Italy in Milan on Sunday 17 November, the Blues had a double mission: to forget the indigestible performance offered on Thursday against Israel (0-0), and to take revenge on the Squadra Azzurra, who came to win in Paris. in September (3-1). At the end of a successful performance and a small celebration from Adrien Rabiot – author of a double – and Lucas Digne, the Blues met all expectations, and more.
By winning 3 to 1, they steal first place in group 2 from their opponents of the evening, and make their task easier in view of the quarter-finals, which they will play against a second team from the group in March. Above all, the Blues concluded on a high note a year of ups and downs, marked by Antoine Griezmann’s retirement from the national team and the uncertainty surrounding their captain, Kylian Mbappé.
What to remember from France-Italy:
The Blues midfielder has found color again following his surprise move to Marseille this summer. Rabiot scored two headed goals, the first to cool down San Siro at the start of the match, the second to bring the score to 3-1 and put his team to safety. In the match we saw him, with a lot of volume, sometimes dictating the pace of the match with the ball, or making valuable defensive efforts.
1-0, 2nd: Adrien Rabiot rises above everyone else to send his header towards goal following a corner from Lucas Digne.
2-0, 33rd: The Blues get a nice free kick that seems destined for a right-footed shot, but Lucas Digne rushes in and sends a magnificent left-footed shot, which enters the cage with the help of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and his full-back. .
2-1, 35′: Jules Koundé lacks concentration, has the ball stolen from the wing and Federico Dimarco
3-1, 65′: Lucas Digne, once again, takes the lead from an off-centre free kick. He directs the ball to the head of Adrien Rabiot, who manages to frame his shot while on defense. Digne-Rabiot, a winning couple.
Mike Maignan, on the microphone of TF1: “We wanted a rematch, we lost in September at home [face aux Italiens]. When we play as a team like this, when we commit to each other, we can do great things, and this is worthy of the French national team. »
A more satisfying match in the game for the Blues, but above all terribly successful in terms of set pieces. For the first time since 1991 and in the match against Albania (5-0), France scored three goals at set times in an official match. Thirty-three years later, the Blues have found the solution in this area!
- The turning point of the match. The Azzurri did not hold back
In the 35th minute Federico Dimarco reduces the score after a good move on the left, and kicks off a great Italian highlight, during which the locals will push to try to recover before half-time. Not necessarily very confident in recent months, the Azzurri could have retreated, but they prepared to protect their lead, before increasing it in the second act.
After Thursday’s terrible match against Israel, it didn’t take much for this Italy-France match to seem tasty. the Blues did much better with a solid performance, three goals scored, one of which was truly spectacular, and a victory against a prestigious opponent in the end-of-year European classic. A holiday meal ahead of time.
The Nations League will not have the prestige of a European Championship or a World Cup, but the Azzurri did not hide their joy after the victory against Italy, synonymous with first place in the group. In Milan, November 17, 2024.
How is the French football team expected to evolve after the retirement of Antoine Griezmann and the uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s status?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Exclusive with Football Analyst Dr. Sophie Marcel
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sophie! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the recent Nations League match where France triumphed over Italy 3-1. What are your initial thoughts on the game?
Dr. Sophie Marcel: Thank you for having me! It was an exhilarating match, and I think a significant turning point for the French team. After the disappointing draw against Israel, they really needed this victory to boost their confidence, and they delivered.
Editor: Absolutely, and Adrien Rabiot certainly stole the spotlight with his brace. How would you assess his performance in this match, especially in light of his recent transfer to Marseille?
Dr. Marcel: Rabiot was exceptional! His two headed goals were not only decisive but displayed his aerial ability and positioning. The change to Marseille seems to have revitalized him; he played with more confidence and initiative, which we saw in his ability to dictate the pace and contribute defensively.
Editor: Speaking of teamwork, Mike Maignan mentioned the importance of collective commitment. How much do you think teamwork played a role in their victory?
Dr. Marcel: Teamwork was crucial. You could see the players were united, particularly during set pieces, which has been a challenge for them historically. The fact that three goals resulted from set pieces for the first time since 1991 underscores their improvement and strategic planning. It’s a testament to their hard work in training and their collective effort on the pitch.
Editor: Lucas Digne also had a standout performance, assisting Rabiot twice. What do you think about the synergy between Digne and Rabiot during the game?
Dr. Marcel: Their partnership was brilliant! Digne showed great creativity and precision, especially with that left-footed goal and assists. The way they connected, particularly on those set pieces, indicates a growing understanding, which is crucial as they prepare for the quarter-finals in March.
Editor: Looking at the overall picture, how important is this victory for the team as they head into the quarter-finals?
Dr. Marcel: This win is monumental. It not only gives them momentum but also confidence heading into the knockout stage. Finishing first in their group allows them to face a potentially weaker opponent in the quarter-finals, which aligns perfectly with their strategic objectives for this tournament.
Editor: And what can we take from Italy’s performance? They managed to score but seemed to struggle after conceding the goals.
Dr. Marcel: Italy showed moments of brilliance, especially when Federico Dimarco scored. However, their lack of consistency and defensive lapses hurt them. They seemed tentative after going a goal down, and against a team with France’s attacking prowess, that can be fatal. Italy will need to regroup and reassess if they aim to be competitive moving forward.
Editor: With Antoine Griezmann’s retirement and Kylian Mbappé’s uncertain status, how do you see the team evolving in the coming months?
Dr. Marcel: Change can be difficult, but it also opens the door for new talent and strategies. The emergence of players like Rabiot can provide fresh energy. While they’ll miss Griezmann’s experience, this could be an opportunity for the team to develop a new identity and play style, particularly as younger players step up to fill the void left by veterans.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Dr. Marcel! Any final thoughts on what fans can look forward to as the tournament continues?
Dr. Marcel: Fans should expect an exciting and unpredictable tournament! France showed they can bounce back and reclaim their top spot, but every team will bring its best in the knockout rounds. It’s anyone’s game, and that’s what makes this sport so thrilling!
Editor: Thank you so much for your expert analysis, Dr. Marcel. We look forward to following the French team as they advance!
Dr. Marcel: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this thrilling match and what lies ahead for the teams.