Let's face it. On the eve of the match, we would all have signed for a draw, fearing the worst. And instead, the Italian team took home a encouraging performance returning from Paris with a 1-1 that smells of hope, thanks to Bastoni responding to a beautiful free kick from the phenomenal Olise. The most praised? Zinedine Zidane, celebrated more than any of his players by the 77.000 fans present at the Stade de France.
After the disappointment of the debut, lost 2-0 against Belgium, and the redemption four days later against Turkey, beaten 4-1, Italy confirms its growthAs a team, as individuals, and above all in terms of their playing style and ability to follow their coach, Roberto Mancini.
Good defense, with Donnarumma takes center stage saving the result on at least three occasions, and Bastoni returns to scoring after the goal that broke the deadlock against Turkey. The midfield did well, led by Fraternity. In attack he moves kean, but he misses on more than one occasion in front of goal.
The goals
After a first half in which Italy wasted far more chances than France, the Blues quickly changed pace in the second half, forcing Donnarumma to work overtime on Dembelé and then on Olise. The Italian goalkeeper, however, could do nothing when he himself Olise goes to take a free kick Fagioli (booked) fouled Cherki. The Bayern striker's left-footed shot was unstoppable, landing just wide of Donnarumma's crossbar, and France took the lead.
Italy is struggling until in the 68th minute, when the equalizer comesFrance was presumptuous in their disengagement, Da Cunha fell asleep and Bastoni stole the ball from him in the three-quarter line, advanced and beat Maignan. At the end Upamecano expelled for a second yellow card after a foul on Kean. The match ended 1-1, a fairer result.
The next match
Roberto Mancini's Italy returns to the field against Turkey on Monday, October 5 at 20.45pm at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium in Bologna.
