This result allows the Blues, already qualified, to finish at the top of their group. This ensures them a quarter-final against a runner-up, and a return match at home next March. But beyond the course in the League of Nations, it is the way in which the Blues reacted and took their revenge on the Squadra Azzura, who came to teach them a lesson in September, with a similar score.
This evening is also a response provided by Didier Deschamps to the criticisms which have targeted him in recent months. Sometimes all it takes is 90 minutes to erase doubts and give yourself a break. Because his choices paid off, from his composition (seven changes compared to Israel) to his offensive and even defensive animation.
Dignified, burning foot
The lack of effectiveness had been pointed out against the Israelis. In Milan, the Blues corrected the initial shot. Bradley Barcola opened the scoring after twelve seconds in the first leg in September? It took less than two minutes for Adrien Rabiot to do the same, with a header, from a corner from Lucas Digne (2e0-1).
Intensity in the duels, determined races, technical accuracy in the restart and construction… The French finally showed the face we expect of them, worthy of world vice-champions, and contained the Italian pressing. Like a very long sequence of possession which angered San Siro after half an hour of play, they annoyed their opponent and received numerous fouls.
It turns out that Lucas Digne had a hot left foot on Sunday evening to turn almost all set pieces into gold. First to place an outgoing corner on the head of Adrien Rabiot (2e), with the complicity of goalkeeper Vicario who did not move despite a ball in his six meters – Donnarumma, on the bench because of illness, must have appreciated. Then by cleaning the top corner on a free kick, a goal sadly awarded to Vicario (33e0-2).
Finally by sending a new caviar to Rabiot, this time on an eccentric free kick, in the middle of a very passive Italian defense (65e1-3). The left side and the midfielder celebrated their fiftieth selection with dignity, in a prestigious setting. The other winner of the evening is Manu Koné. For his fourth cape. The Roma midfielder was hyperactive in the fight and in getting the ball up.
Koundé, the only loser
The Ibrahima Konaté – William Saliba hinge was remarkable, Guendouzi compensated for his technical shortcomings with a multitude of races and a constant presence to hinder the Italian progress. We will also have to see Nkunku in this position again, even if the expected return of Kylian Mbappé in March risks reshuffling a few cards. As for Mike Maignan, in a stadium he knows well, he preserved first place with a big save in added time.
The only loser of the evening, ultimately, was undoubtedly Jules Koundé, who stupidly lost a ball near his area due to lack of concentration. Dimarco took advantage and found Cambiaso, alone at the far post to temporarily reduce the gap (35e1-2). The former Bordeaux player, who had already appeared in difficulty against Israel, had a closed face when he was replaced by Benjamin Pavard, as a sign that competition is never far away. But he celebrated, with the others, this victory which is good for an entire group.
