Luciano Spalletti mentioned Italy had proven a brand new degree of depth of their Nations League opener after they surprised France with a 3-1 comeback win on the Parc des Princes.
Italy discovered themselves a purpose down inside 12 seconds on Friday as Bradley Barcola dispossessed Giovanni Di Lorenzo earlier than ending coolly, however Federico Dimarco’s good volleyed equaliser precipitated a stirring fightback.
Davide Frattesi put the Azzurri forward early within the second half, then Giacomo Raspadori accomplished the scoring as Italy claimed their first-ever win on the Parc des Princes.
The Azzurri had beforehand drawn three and misplaced one in every of their 4 matches on the venue, solely scoring two objectives, whereas that they had not overwhelmed France since doing so within the group stage at Euro 2008.
Italy endured a dismal Euro 2024 marketing campaign, scraping by means of their group earlier than being dumped out by Switzerland within the final 16, however Spalletti noticed a distinct facet to his gamers on Friday.
“I noticed an depth throughout coaching that we didn’t have final time,” Spalletti mentioned. “Maybe the gamers’ bodily form had a task.
“The season has simply began, and there may be new enthusiasm. The opposite time, it was the top [of the season], and there had been issues that maybe led some to modify off.
“They bounced again tonight. No matter how this recreation went, we’d have continued taking part in perpetually.
“It’s within the DNA of this group I’ve chosen for the Nations League and the World Cup qualifiers.
“Three, 4 or 5 gamers have stayed dwelling this time, however typically we’re satisfied that this group may give us a lot.”
1 & 2 – For the first time Italy have gained on the Parc des Princes, vs France, after three attracts and a defeat.
Earlier than Dimarco, Frattesi and Raspadori, solely 2 Italy gamers had scored on the Parc des Princes vs France: Del Piero and Casiraghi (1997). Gear.#UEFANationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Lddei4odxu
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 6, 2024
Italy’s victory was marred considerably by Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori being injured by a crunching sort out by Ousmane Dembele, with the previous Bologna man writing in ache earlier than being helped from the sphere.
Spalletti, nevertheless, is hopeful the damage could not show to be a severe one.
“We have to assess Riccardo, however with our employees, we’ve a great likelihood to have him again with us for the subsequent recreation,” Spalletti mentioned.
Italy face Israel of their subsequent match in Group A2 on Monday, with France internet hosting Belgium in one other heavyweight tussle on the identical day.
