Cherki (OL) carries the Espoirs on his shoulders against Italy (2-2)

Rayan Cherki during the Euro Espoirs with the France team (Photo by MIHAI BARBU / AFP)

For his return to the selection, Rayan Cherki did not do things by halves against Italy. With a goal and an assist, the OL player allowed the Espoirs to secure a draw at Empoli (2-2).

It took seven minutes to make Rayan Cherki the hero of Hopes in Italy. Trailing 2-0 at the break, Gérald's players Baticle managed to raise their heads during the second act to leave Empoli with a draw in this friendly (2-2). If the Bleuets did not return empty-handed, they can thank Cherkivery clearly the man of the match on the French side. Absent from the first two post-2024 Olympic Games for different reasons, the OL player took care of his reunion with the Espoirs perfectly. Holder in the 4-3-3 set up by the former Lyon assistant, Rayan Cherki spent the second during the second half like all of his teammates. There was urgency since France was already down 2-0 after 45 minutes. And the Cherki show could begin.

First appearance for Kumbedi in Espoirs

Just before the hour mark, a tight cross from Kiliann Sildillia allowed the French number 18 to reduce the score by calmly pushing the ball into the Italian goal (58th). Seven minutes later, Cherki did not score a double. He simply put Valentin into orbit Atangana for his first goal with the Espoirs, three minutes after coming into play, just like Saël On the bed. This goal thus put the two nations on an equal footing. With an achievement and an assist, Rayan Cherki was the great man of this evening in Empoli. It's up to him to confirm November 19 in Valenciennes for a second friendly, againstGermany this time.