Getting off to a bad start after the first two Italian goals, the Bleuets had to rely on the talent of Rayan Cherki, scorer and decisive passer at the end of the game to snatch a draw (2-2).
Deprived of many major players but carried by a sparkling Ryan Cherki, the France Espoirs team achieved a very encouraging draw in Italy (2-2) in a friendly preparation match for Euro-2025, Friday in Empoli.
One month after obtaining qualification for the European Championship (June 11 to 28, 2025 in Slovakia), Gérald Baticle was able to get an idea of the depth and quality of the reservoir at his disposal.
Third goal missed
Forced to do without the services of several executives due to injury (Malo Gusto, Maghnes Akliouche, Hugo Ekitike, Tanguy Kouassi, Castello Lukeba or Quentin Merlin) as well as goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, promoted to A, the Bleuets coach has reason to be reassured by the performance of his own.
Largely dominated technically in the first period by the young Italians, who led the score after two goals scored by Cesare Casadei (16th) and Giuseppe Ambrosino (44th) taking advantage of French errors in defense, the Espoirs resurfaced after the break under the Cherki's impulse.
The Lyon striker, long criticized for his overly individualistic play, seems to have turned a corner this season. Back at the Bleuets, the Olympic vice-champion single-handedly dynamited the Transalpine rearguard in the second half. After reducing the score closely (58th), he made his whole class admire by alerting Valentin Atangana for the equalizer (65th). Cherki could even have been at the origin of a third French goal but Saël Kumbedi failed to convert the excellent service of the Rhone attacker (76th).
After a home defeat against Austria (2-1), on October 15 in Nancy, Gérald Baticle's troops raised their heads and boosted their morale with a view to the Euro. The Bleuets will have a final meeting, Tuesday in a friendly against Germany in Valenciennes, to end the year on a new positive note.
France
