Italy 3-1 France: Azzurri make Nations League statement in Rome

Italy produced a composed and clinical display to beat France 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 13 November 2026. In a match that pitted two of Europe’s most decorated national teams against each other, Italy combined aggressive pressing with sharp finishing to secure a result that carries real weight in the section standings.

The Azzurri opened the scoring through Mateo Retegui, absorbed a brief French response after Kylian Mbappé’s equaliser, and then pulled away in the second half through Nicolò Barella and Giacomo Raspadori. The scoreline flattered neither side’s ambition, but it accurately reflected Italy’s superiority in the decisive moments.

Match overview

Italy set the tone from the first whistle. Luciano Spalletti’s side lined up with intent, pressing France’s first line and forcing the visitors into hurried passes from goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The home crowd responded to that energy, and the opening goal arrived in the 18th minute when Barella slipped a precise pass between France’s centre-backs for Retegui to finish low into the corner.

France gradually found rhythm through Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, and their equaliser came in the 34th minute. A quick transition released Mbappé into space on the left, and the captain drove inside before curling a right-footed shot beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma. It was a reminder of France’s quality in open space, but it did not change the overall pattern.

Italy restored their lead 11 minutes after the restart. Barella collected the ball just outside the penalty area, shifted on to his right foot and struck a low drive through a crowded box. France pushed forward in search of another response, but Italy’s back three held firm, with Alessandro Bastoni and Giovanni Di Lorenzo dealing well with crosses and second balls.

The decisive third goal arrived in the 78th minute. Substitute Raspadori timed his run perfectly to meet a cut-back from the right and guided the ball past Maignan. France’s late pressure produced half-chances, but Donnarumma was equal to everything that reached him, and Italy saw out the closing stages with maturity.

Key moments

• 18’ – Italy 1-0: Barella’s incisive pass splits the French defence and Retegui finishes with composure.
• 34’ – France 1-1: Mbappé cuts in from the left and curls a fine equaliser past Donnarumma.
• 56’ – Italy 2-1: Barella strikes from range after France fail to clear their lines.
• 78’ – Italy 3-1: Raspadori converts a low cross to give Italy breathing room.
• 86’ – Donnarumma save: The Italy goalkeeper denies France a lifeline with a strong stop at his near post.

Tactical story

Italy’s victory was built on midfield control and disciplined pressing. Barella and Davide Frattesi repeatedly closed the passing lanes into France’s front three, while the wing-backs pushed high enough to pin back France’s full-backs. That structure allowed Italy to win the ball in dangerous areas and attack before France’s defence could set.

France enjoyed more possession, particularly in the second half, but their build-up was often slow and predictable. Mbappé’s equaliser came from a rare moment of quick vertical play, yet France struggled to sustain those sequences. When they did get wide, Italy’s centre-backs were well positioned to defend crosses, and Donnarumma commanded his area confidently.

Standout players

Nicolò Barella was the game’s outstanding performer, scoring the second goal and creating the first. His energy set the tone for Italy’s press, and his ability to arrive in the box late made him difficult for France to track. Mateo Retegui led the line superbly, holding the ball up and giving Italy an outlet when France pushed forward.

At the back, Alessandro Bastoni produced a composed defensive display, while Gianluigi Donnarumma made the saves required at key moments. For France, Kylian Mbappé was the main threat and took his goal brilliantly, but the visitors lacked the same balance between defence and attack that Italy maintained throughout.

What the result means

The three points strengthen Italy’s position in the UEFA Nations League group and give them valuable momentum ahead of their next fixtures. Beating France in a competitive match is a significant marker for Spalletti’s side, especially given the quality of the opposition and the pressure that comes with a fixture of this stature.

For France, the defeat leaves room for reflection. Didier Deschamps will look at the ease with which Italy created chances in transiti