Despite conceding after just 14 seconds, Italy mounted a spirited comeback against France, winning their opening Nations League match with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori.
Donnarumma 6 – Conceded an early goal for which he wasn’t at fault, then paradoxically was among the least involved in the match.
Di Lorenzo 5 – Right from the start, he fell asleep on Cambiaso’s back pass, allowing Barcola to score after 14 minutes. As against Nico Williams, he seemed to crumble under the PSG player’s pressure: his teammates did well to pull him out of the quicksand, but his performance was lacking.
Bastoni 7.5 – It was one of those complicated evenings, with the task being an extremely tough one: stopping Mbappé. A test he passed with flying colours.
Calafiori 7 – He confirmed the good impression he made in Germany, defending with personality and when it was time to build, he moved intelligently in midfield.
Buongiorno 6 – Did well late in the game to prevent the French pressure.
Cambiaso 6.5 – The equalising goal came from his excellent play. It’s tough to get past Theo Hernandez, but in return, he manahed to limit the Frenchman in the attacking phase.
Frattesi 7.5 – Came close to equalizing after seven minutes, redeemed himself at the start of the second half with the goal. Five goals in 15 matches under Spalletti’s management, for a year now he’s been the real goalscorer of this National team.
Udogie 6.5 – Entered into the game very well in a role that is not his own: gave substance to the midfield in the moments of greatest difficulty, then provided the assist for the 1-3.
Ricci 7.5 – Played an excellent game in his first start with the Azzurri shirt. Good physicality, intelligence, played like a veteran.
Tonali 8 – He was sorely missed at the last European Championship. He has the charisma and character needed for these big stages. Started a bit quietly, but then gained confidence with the rhythm of the game, and at that point he was everywhere: delicious assist for Dimarco for the equalizing goal. In the second half, he dominated with the ball at his feet.
Dimarco 7.5 – The goal that bought the match back to paritywas sublime, a volley after a back-heel from Tonali that Maignan could do nothing about.
Pellegrini 6 – Spalletti’s surprise choice to give more density to midfield, Italy’s number 10 gave good support in the containment phase without making a difference when it was time to create. When the pace of the game increased, he struggled to be precise in his plays.
Raspadori 7.5 – Came on and gave Italy a third goal and an important cushion.
Retegui 7 – A performance of great humility and sacrifice, he threw himself into pressing even when isolated. He didn’t get lots of service, especially in the first half, but managed them well. In the second half, he was more in the thick of the action: played the assist for Frattesi’s goal.
Luciano Spalletti 7.5 – The three-man defence, clear ideas, a calmer attitude….these are all details that made the difference. He has created a new group that immediately gave him the answers he wanted tonight. Exemplary competitive spirit with which the Azzurri defended the result in the second half.
