France 1-3 Italy: Sandro Tonali stars as Azzurri produce stunning Nations League comeback

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Evening Standard

·6 September 2024

France 1-3 Italy: Sandro Tonali stars as Azzurri produce stunning Nations League comeback

Newcastle star marks international return with fine flick in statement win

Italy came from behind to beat France at the Parc des Princes in Friday night’s heavyweight Nations League clash.

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Les Bleus raced into a shock early lead after Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola had dispossessed Giovanni Di Lorenzo to score within the opening 13 seconds but later crumbled.

The returning Sandro Tonali had a big part in Italy’s equaliser, providing the lovely flick from which Federico Dimarco fired Luciano Spalletti’s side onto level terms.

The Azzurri then produced a brilliant second-half display to claim their first win in the French capital in 70 years, with Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori finding the back of the net after the interval.

It is Italy’s first over the French in Paris for more than 70 years and raises hope for progress following a dismal Euro 2024 campaign in which they were knocked out by Switzerland after a series of tepid performances in the group stage.