France 3 - 1 Italy: France ease past Italy with World Cup warm-up win
Posted Saturday, June 02, 2018 by PA
France’s preparations for the World Cup were boosted by a 3-1 win over Italy in the Allianz Riviera in Nice.
Didier Deschamps’ side took the lead in the eighth minute against an Italy side, missing the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, when Samuel Umtiti fired home from close range. Kylian Mbappe’s header from a narrow angle was partially saved by Salvatore Sirigu allowing the Barcelona defender the simplest of goals.
Antoine Griezmann made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark with a penalty. Rolando Mandragora’s challenge on Lucas Hernandez was deemed a foul by Anthony Taylor and – despite Sirigu diving the right way – Griezmann still found the back of the net with his spot-kick.
Nine minutes before half-time, Italy pulled a goal back. Mario Balotelli’s free-kick on the edge of the penalty box was parried by Hugo Lloris into the path of defender Leonardo Bonucci, who beat the keeper from close range.
France came close to restoring their two-goal advantage three minutes after the interval. Ousmane Dembele saw his shot rebound off the crossbar after beating two defenders to get inside the box.
Paul Pogba created a chance for Corentin Tolisso shortly afterwards but the midfielder failed to hit the target.
Dembele made it 3-1 in the 63rd minute when his first-time shot found the top corner.
Balotelli headed over the bar moments later before France ended the game looking for a fourth goal.
In the final 10 minutes, Mbappe had a goal disallowed for offside while Florian Thauvin was denied by a superb save from Sirigu.
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