France secured top spot in Group 2 after defeating Italy 3-1 in UEFA Nations League action on Sunday night.
UEFA Nations League
Report: Italy 1-3 France
Date: 17 November 2024
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Didier Deschamps' men had secured passage to the knockout stage on Thursday, despite playing to a 1-1 draw against Isreal while the Azzurri were looking to cement top spot in the group.
The visitors only needed two minutes to get the breakthrough as Adrien Rabiot rose highest to meet a corner from Lucas Digne and power a header into the back of the net.
The two-time World Cup winners went on to double their lead in the 33rd minute with Digne involved once again, as the full-back's free-kick hit the crossbar before hitting back of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and sailing into the net for an own goal.
The Italians gave themselves some home two minutes later as a well-worked move ended with Federico Dimarco picking out Andrea Cambiaso, who sent a fine volley past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
However, the French restored their tw-goal advantage in the 65th minute as Adrien Rabiot completed his brace on the night with his second header of the night from another set-piece by Digne.
Italy coach Luciano Spaletti responded with a triple change as Moise Kean, Nico Rovella and Giacomo Raspadori were introduced to help change their fortunes for the final 20 minutes.
The changes did not have the desired effect for the 2020 European champions, who were codemned to their first defeat in the group stages and drop to second spot.
Deschamps' charges, meanwhile, secured top spot in Group 2.
