Italy pulled off a surprising 3-1 victory over France in their Nations League opener, but the win came at a cost as Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off due to injury. The incident occurred in an unfortunate collision when Ousmane Dembélé, tackled by another player, accidentally caught Calafiori on the back of his leg with his studs while landing. Despite attempting to continue, Calafiori had to be replaced after a few minutes.
France took the lead just 12 seconds into the match, with Bradley Barcola intercepting an Italian pass, driving into the box, and finishing clinically. Italy nearly equalized five minutes later, but Davide Frattesi’s header rattled the bar.
Federico Dimarco brought Italy level with a stunning volley off a flicked pass from Sandro Tonali. It was Tonali’s first appearance for Italy since returning from a 10-month ban for violating gambling rules.
Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi made it 2-1 for Italy early in the second half, latching onto a Mateo Retegui ball and finishing coolly. Giacomo Raspadori then sealed the victory with excellent control and composure, beating France defender William Saliba to slot home Italy’s third, assisted by Destiny Udogie.
London-born Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise made his senior debut for France after playing for the French team in the summer’s Olympic Games. Despite the talent on the French side, Italy’s resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive in securing the win.
