France beats Italy and takes the lead in the group in the last round
With first place, obtained on goal difference, the French team avoids Portugal, Germany and Spain in the quarterfinals
Summary
France defeated Italy 3-1 on Sunday at the San Siro stadium and took the lead in Group 2 of the Nations League from their rivals in the final round of qualifying. Rabiot scored two goals with headers, and the other was an own goal by goalkeeper Vicario after a free kick by Digne. Cambiaso scored for Italy.
VACANCY IN GOAL DIFFERENCE
France and Italy finished with 13 points, tied in the first criterion: head-to-head record – each team beat the other 3-1 at their rival’s home ground. The French prevailed on goal difference (6-5). Rabiot opened the scoring after two minutes, heading in a corner kick from Digne on the left. In the 32nd minute, Digne took a skillful free kick, the ball hit the crossbar and went in after bouncing off goalkeeper Vicario. Two minutes later, Cambiaso scored for Italy, taking advantage of a good cross from Dimarco. In the 20th minute of the second half, after a free kick taken by Digne, Rabiot scored the goal that decided France’s first place.
ITALY WILL HAVE A CLASSIC ON THE WEDNESDAYS
Both teams entered the field already qualified, but by advancing in first place, France will face one of the second-placed teams in the quarterfinals: Croatia or Poland, from the still unfinished Group 1; Denmark or Serbia, who are competing for a spot in Group 4; or the Netherlands, second in Group 3. Italy, which fell to second place in Group 2, will face Portugal, Germany or Spain, the leaders of the other groups. The draw for the matches will be in February 2025, and the quarterfinals will be played on the FIFA Date in March.
