Rabiot's Double Leads France to Victory Over Italy, Secures Top Spot in Nations League Group

Adrien Rabiot's two goals helped France claim a crucial 3-1 victory against Italy at the San Siro, propelling them to first place in Nations League Group A2. The ex-Juventus star delivered both goals with headers, scoring from set-pieces provided by Lucas Digne in each half.

The French midfielder's performance came against his former Serie A rivals, with Rabiot's first header finding the net in the 19th minute, followed by a decisive second in the 65th minute. France's leap to the top spot was secured on goal difference, as both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match.

Lucas Digne, who was also making his 50th appearance for France, was integral to the victory. He not only assisted Rabiot's goals but also contributed to France's second goal in the 33rd minute with a remarkable free-kick. The set-piece hit the woodwork before deflecting off Italy's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and into the net, giving France a 2-0 lead.

Italy momentarily regained hope when Andrea Cambiaso scored with a well-placed finish shortly after Digne's strike. Cambiaso's goal, following a strong build-up play involving Federico Dimarco and Sandro Tonali, temporarily put Italy ahead on the head-to-head tiebreaker, due to their earlier 3-1 victory in Paris.

Despite Italy's efforts, Rabiot's second header in the 65th minute ensured a positive end to France's international break, which had been marred by a goalless draw against Israel and the absence of captain Kylian Mbappe, who was left out by coach Didier Deschamps without much explanation.

With this win, France collected 13 points in the group, overtaking Italy, who ended with a surprising tally given their struggles in the European Championship. The game drew over 68,000 spectators to the San Siro, with the majority supporting the Italian side, leaving the away section allocated for French fans sparsely filled.

Italy's defense struggled with set-pieces, conceding all three goals from dead-ball situations. This vulnerability was unexpected from the Azzurri, a team known for their defensive strength. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, stepping in for an ill Gianluigi Donnarumma, who reportedly had a stomach bug, faced criticism for his performance. Donnarumma's absence was notable given his tense history with Milan fans following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Ultimately, France's victory marked a strong finish in their Nations League group, setting them up with momentum as they advance to the knockout stages.