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France amped up the preparations for the World Cup with an emphatic 3-1 win over Italy in Nice. Samuel Umtiti, Antoine Griezmann and an Ousmane Dembele stunner wrapped up a comprehensive victory, while Leonardo Bonucci’s goal for the Azzurri was a mere consolation.
Though the stakes were minimal, both sides fought tooth and nail, making a vibrant start to the game with an attacking intent. The opening half was lively and full of gilt-edged chances, while the second one started on a positive note too, as Italy flew out of the blocks in search of an equaliser.
The match deteriorated into mediocrity in the final 10 minutes, as a barrage of substitutions from either camp took the intensity off it. But both teams would be happy with their performances, having achieved their respective objectives.
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There’s plenty to discuss here, but let’s zero in on the 5 major talking points from an exciting encounter:
#1 An international friendly that was anything but
France and Italy traversed different routes since the conclusion of the Euro 2016. But when they met at the Allianz Riviera, the European rivals appeared to be level on terms.
Whilst Les Blues bolstered their preparations for the World Cup with another encouraging win, the Azzurri showed positive signs on their road to recovery. Both teams played to the gallery, especially in a vibrant opening 45 minutes, when it seemed more like a Euro Cup match than an international friendly.
France raced to a 2-0 lead within the opening half an hour, but Italy staged a comeback shortly after Griezmann’s penalty, halving the deficit. Roberto Mancini’s men then upped the ante just seconds into the second-half, though the Blues only increased their cushion against the tide.
There were a total of 27 attempts made, 12 of which were on target - 6 each by both. France clearly had their sights on the World Cup, while Italy are successfully coming into their stride under Mancini. And together, today, they produced a footballing spectacle to remember
#2 Mbappe is starting in the World Cup
For all the talk of Didier Deschamps likely to opt for a two-man frontline of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe has made him go back to the drawing board and rework his strategy. The PSG starlet was the best Frenchman on the field in the match, showing why he deserves to start every game in the tournament proper.
Starting on the right-hand side of a 3-pronged attack in a 4-3-3 set-up, Mbappe channeled tremendous attacking flair. He was an absolute menace down that flank, running forward with poise and laying off delicious crosses inside the box. He even tried his luck at goal from outside the box, unleashing a venomous shot that only marginally missed the target.
The 19-year-old may have been the only one among the front three of Griezmann, Dembele and him to have failed to get on the scoresheet, but he was the best and the most potent of the three. Having him in the starting line-up would be like an added edge to the French attack, for Mbappe is in an incredibly rich vein of form.
The ‘Best Young Player’ award looks to have his name on it already!
#3 Balotelli can lead Italy revival
The biggest task at hand for Roberto Mancini when he took over the helm of Italy was to regroup this disjointed, disconnected side together. Two games in, the former Manchester City manager appears to have worked his charm. And no one symbolises that better than Mario Balotelli.
The OGC Nice striker started for the second time this week, and followed up his heroics against Saudi Arabia with another strong performance.
Spearheading a makeshift Italy side, Balotelli was the single biggest threat from them. He constantly tested the French backline with his efforts and also orchestrated Bonucci’s goal. He let rip a thunderous free-kick just a few yards outside the box that rattled Hugo Lloris’ palms, but the Milan centre-back quickly pounced on the rebound and tapped in from point-blank range.
The 28-year-old is back in the side after four years, but has taken no time to dovetail into it again. Balotelli is as boisterous as ever, and his performance was better than that against the Arabians earlier this week.
The Azzurri are mounting a revival under Mancini, something that will be put through the wringer in the Nations League in September when Portugal and Poland come around. But with Balotelli leading the charge, they can look forward to the challenges with optimism.
#4 Pogba has a point to prove
While most of the players around him burgeoned and put on a scintillating display, Paul Pogba uncharacteristically struggled. He stood out like a sore thumb and the fans nailed colours to the mast when they booed him off the field.
The Manchester United midfielder is coming off the back of a troublesome conclusion to the 2017/18 season, having only recovered from an injury. He wasn’t admittedly at his best, lacking his usual flair and also missing a few passes. Maybe he is yet to regain full strength, but has a point to prove at the upcoming majors.
Pogba is an integral member of the Blues, but his ordeal threatens to undermine the progress of the team. His underwhelming performance is a cause of concern for Deschamps, who would need him at his best for the World Cup. And Pogba has to rise to the occasion to right a few wrongs of the season gone by, and also regain the trust of the maverick Portuguese.
#5 Jorginho passes test ahead of Manchester City move
He was constantly overlooked by Giampiero Ventura, but Jorginho is now enjoying a new lease of life with Italy. This bodes well ahead of his touted move to Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Napoli midfielder was a bright presence in the centre of the park, keeping his side ticking with his short, incisive passes. He may be no Andrea Pirlo, but he does imbue confidence with every touch and promise, with every pass. Jorginho was also seen pressing hard to recoup possession, summing up the qualities of a player of a Pep Guardiola team.
The Bassmaster completed the most passes in the game for Italy, and also showed flashes of authority when he was seen sending out commands to his teammates when things looked down.
Jorginho is growing in importance to Italy and can be an asset in the midfield in the coming days. But for now, he looks ready to take the Manchester City mantle by storm.
