France Clinches First Place in Nations League A, Group 2 with 3-1 Win Over Italy

In a fiery atmosphere at San Siro, Didier Deschamps' France secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Luciano Spalletti's Italy, topping Nations League A, Group 2 due to a better goal difference (+6) compared to the hosts (+5).
It took just three minutes for Adrien Rabiot to break the deadlock, heading Lucas Digne's powerful cross past Italy's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. This early goal set the tone for the match.
France doubled their lead with a stunning free-kick from Digne, whose left-footed strike hit the upright and deflected off Vicario’s back into the net, leaving the keeper with no chance.
Italy responded two minutes later, spurred on by the home crowd. Federico Dimarco's brilliant play on the left wing allowed him to set up Andrea Cambiaso, who finished with aplomb, celebrating wildly as the San Siro erupted.
The match was sealed with another header from Rabiot, again assisted by Digne's pinpoint delivery.

Italy Player Ratings:
GK – Guglielmo Vicario – 4/10
Struggled in only his fourth appearance for Italy, failing to handle Digne's long-range free-kick.

RWB – Andrea Cambiaso – 7/10
Provided width and energy, especially after scoring. His goal sparked a spirited but insufficient response.

CB – Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6/10
Effective defensively, making several clearances to stem France's attacks.

CB – Alessandro Buongiorno – 5/10
Dominated possession but was caught napping on Rabiot’s opening goal.

CB – Alessandro Bastoni – 5/10
Had difficulties with Kolo Muani’s pace and intensity but improved offensively after France's third goal.

LWB – Federico Dimarco – 7/10
Was a creative force, providing the assist for Cambiaso’s goal and creating other chances.

CM – Davide Frattesi – 5/10
Conceded a cheap foul for Digne's free-kick and was subbed off after an ineffective performance.

CM – Manuel Locatelli – 5.5/10
Displayed physicality but lacked creativity, frustrating supporters with backward passes.

CM – Sandro Tonali – 6/10
Instrumental in Italy's goal but inconsistent in impact and pace.

CAM – Nicolo Barella – 7/10
Excelled in midfield despite lackluster support from teammates, influencing play from deep.

ST – Mateo Retegui – 4/10
Was ineffective and anonymous in the first half.

Substitutes:
Moise Kean (66') – 4/10
Brought intensity but struggled to make a significant impact.

Nicolo Rovella (66') – 4/10
Engaged immediately but could not change the game's momentum.

Giacomo Raspadori (66') – 4.5/10
Added energy to the attack but couldn't break through France's defense.

Daniel Maldini (78') – 4/10
Sometimes dispossessed; failed to influence the game.

Destiny Udogie (83') – 5/10
Showed some promise in limited minutes but had little opportunity to shine.

France Player Ratings:
GK – Mike Maignan – 5.5/10
Had little to do, produced a key save late on but was unable to prevent Cambiaso’s goal.

RB – Jules Kounde – 6/10
Struggled defensively against Dimarco but held his ground.

CB – Ibrahima Konate – 7/10
Dominant in the air and effective throughout, especially when Italy applied pressure late in the game.

CB – William Saliba – 7/10
Solid in defense and effectively neutralized Italian attacks.

LB – Lucas Digne – 8.5/10
Provided assists for Rabiot’s goals and nearly scored with a brilliant free kick.

CM – Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5/10
Energetic, though his accuracy was sometimes lacking. Booked late in the match.

CM – Manu Kone – 9/10
Outstanding in midfield, with impeccable ball recovery and passing, proving his value to Deschamps.

CM – Adrien Rabiot – 7.5/10
Netted two crucial headers and had a strong influence in midfield.

CAM – Christopher Nkunku – 8/10
Consistently found space and was a major threat in attack.

ST – Marcus Thuram – 6/10
Worked hard off the ball but lacked precision in challenges.

ST – Randal Kolo Muani – 6.5/10
Relentless effort but was often blocked by Italy's defense.

Substitutes:
Bradley Barcola (78') – 5/10
Struggled to make an impact with limited possession.

Benjamin Pavard (82') – N/A
Helped solidify the defense during closing stages.

With this win, France secures their top position in Nations League A, Group 2, edging out Italy by goal difference.