Italy came from behind to record a 3-1 victory over France in Friday night's UEFA Nations League fixture in Paris.

France spectacularly took the lead inside 13 seconds on home soil, with Bradley Barcola taking the ball away from Giovanni Di Lorenzo in a wide area before racing into the box and finishing past the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma, scoring France's fastest-ever confirmed goal in the process.

However, Italy's leveller was just as eye-catching, with Federico Dimarco combining with Sandro Tonali before guiding a wonderful volley into the top corner, and the two teams were level at the interval.

An open and entertaining first period brought 13 goal attempts, with five of those on target, while the closeness of the contest was further demonstrated by the fact that France had 53% of the ball to Italy's 47%.

Italy scored the game's third goal early in the second period, with Davide Frattesi turning a low cross from Mateo Retegui into the back of the net from close range, before Giacomo Raspadori made it 3-1 in the 74th minute for an impressive Italian outfit.

The result has moved Italy, who have beaten France on French soil for the first time in 70 years, to the top of Group 2 of League A, just ahead of Belgium, who were also 3-1 winners on the night over Israel.

France were ultimately unable to build on their record-breaking goal, and Italy were deserved winners in Paris, with Luciano Spalletti's side securing a standout result in their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League opener.

FRANCE VS. ITALY HIGHLIGHTS

1st min: France 1-0 Italy (Bradley Barcola)

Incredible start to this match, as Barcola scores after just 13 seconds to send France ahead.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker took the ball away from Di Lorenzo in a wide area before finding into the back of the net, and it is France's quickest-ever goal in an international match.

30th min: France 1-1 Italy (Federico Dimarco)

Italy level the scores in the 30th minute of the match, as Dimarco plays a clever one-two with Tonali before finding the back of the net with an exceptional volley.

Wonderful equaliser from the Italians.

51st min: France 1-2 Italy (Davide Frattesi)

Italy turn the match around early in the second period, with Frattesi guiding a pass from Retegui into the back of the net. France left Frattesi free in the middle, and he was never going to miss from there.

The response from Italy has been excellent after the early setback in Paris.

51st min: France 1-3 Italy (Giacomo Raspadori)

Italy take a 3-1 lead, as Raspadori collects a fizzed pass from Destiny Udogie before finishing into the back of the net. Again, questions have to be asked about the French defending there.

MAN OF THE MATCH - SANDRO TONALI

© Imago

Tonali has only just returned to action following a betting suspension, with the 24-year-old making two appearances for Newcastle United early in the campaign.

This was the midfielder's first appearance for his country since September 2023, and it was a brilliant performance from the Italian, who proved to be the standout player on the field.

Tonali's clever assist allowed Dimarco to level the scores with an excellent volley, while he made three tackles, created two chances and had 58 touches during an all-action display, outperforming the home side's midfield in Paris.

FRANCE VS. ITALY MATCH STATS

Possession: France 51%%-49% Italy
Shots: France 11-11 Italy
Shots on target: France 3-6 Italy
Corners: France 2-5 Italy
Fouls: France 12-9 Italy

BEST STATS

Bradley Barcola has scored the quickest France goal ever by finding the back of Italy's net only 13 seconds into the game.

📸 @equipedefrance pic.twitter.com/n49f2PtKrx

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) September 6, 2024

Italy have beaten France on French soil for the first time in 70 years.

And it was in a game that they conceded their fastest ever goal. 😅#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/9FmrPzRBas

— Squawka (@Squawka) September 6, 2024

1 & 2 - For the 1st time Italy have won at the Parc des Princes, vs France, after three draws and a defeat.

Before Dimarco, Frattesi and Raspadori, only 2 Italy players had scored at the Parc des Princes vs France: Del Piero and Casiraghi (1997). Gear.#UEFANationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Lddei4odxu

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 6, 2024

WHAT NEXT?

Italy will be bidding to build on their impressive result when they continue their Nations League campaign against Israel on Monday.

France, meanwhile, will be in action on the same night against Belgium, and Didier Deschamps's side will be under pressure to pick up a positive result following the disappointment of Friday's game.

Written by
Matt Law