U21: Italy 2-2 France, Azzurrini waste lead in entertaining friendly | OneFootball

Italy U21 wasted a two-goal lead but collected a 2-2 draw in an entertaining friendly against France U21.

Carmine Nunziata’s Italy U21 drew 2-2 with France U21 at Empoli’s Stadio Castellani Computer Grossarena on Friday.

Les Blues had the first chance in the game, but Sebastiano Desplanches made a fingertip save at the near post to deny Rayan Cherki.

The Azzurrini took the lead a few minutes later with an attacking manoeuvre on the left flank, capitalised by Giuseppe Ambrosino’s backheel assist and Cesare Casadei’s tap-in goal.

LATINA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Edoardo Bove #8 with his teammates of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the opening goal during 2025 Under 21 EURO Qualifying Group A match between Italy and San Marino at Stadio Domenico Francioni on September 05, 2024 in Latina, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Desplanches was once again decisive, this time on Lazio winger Loum Tchaouna, deflecting his shot over the crossbar.

Cristian Volpato inspired Italy’s second goal. The Sassuolo talent dribbled past two French defenders and let Ambrosino put the ball inside an empty net for his first goal at a U21 level.

Nunziata’s boys were dominant at the start of the second half and had three excellent chances to score the third goal, twice with Gnonto and once with Volpato.

France suddenly bounced back when Cherki squeezed past Italy’s defenders to score a sliding goal at the far post, but the Lyon talent was instrumental to Les Blues’ equaliser as well, with an exquisite through ball for Valentin Antangana.

Italy players looked exhausted in the final third of the match, forcing Nunziata to make a few substitutions. The Azzurrini continued pushing for the third goal but were exposed defensively and needed a few saves from Gioele Zacchi to remain in the game.

Italy had the last chance in the game when Giovanni Fabbian tested Guillaume Restes at minute 80’, forcing the France keeper to a foot save.

Italy U21 2-2 France U21

Goals: 16’ Casadei (I), 44’ Ambrosino (I), 58’ Cherki (F), 65’ Atangana

Italy U21 (4-3-1-2): Desplanches (46’ Zacchi); Kayode, Coppola, Pirola (72’ Bertola), Ruggeri; Ndour, Prati, Casadei; Volpato (60’ Fabbian); Ambrosino (60’ P. Esposito), Gnonto (73’ Miretti).

France U21 (3-4-1-2): Restes; Matsima, Youté (85’ Zeze), Magassa; Sildillia (62’ Kumbedi), Agoumé (85’ Doukoure), Bouaddi (63’ Atangana), Mawissa (70’ Ouattara); Cherki (86’ Tell); Tchaouna (62’ Bonny), Kalimuendo (63’ Doué).