Two out of two. The French handball team did not flinch against Italy (40-29) to sign their second victory in as many games in qualifying for Euro 2024. Three days after their quiet victory against Latvia in Poitiers, the Blues traveled to time.news, on a pitch in very poor condition, to face the “Nazionale” for the first time in official competition since 1998!
The Blues, with their new captain Luka Karabatic, were initially surprised by the Italian furia. Led 3-6 then 8-10 after 17 minutes, Guillaume Gille’s men reacted well thanks in particular to an excellent Timothey N’Guessan (5/6 at the end of the first thirty minutes) to go well ahead at the break (19-13).
A match without suspense, not without spectacle
The second half was a formality. Deprived of Kentin Mahé injured in a rib, Guillaume Gille was able to involve his entire group on the field of Palasport Giovanni-Paolo-II. Highlight of the end of the match, after a confusion during the substitutions, the Italians found themselves at 8 on the floor, without the referees realizing it, which made the coach of the team laugh a lot. France.
The Italians continued to put on a show until the end. As Italy played without a goalkeeper in the 45th minute, Giacomo Savini, Italian fullback, literally flew to save a shot from Rémi Desbonnet from his cages. The Blues showed seriousness until the end to win by 11 goals. The Olympic champions now have an appointment next March against Poland to already ensure their ticket for Euro 2024.