Player Ratings: Italy vs France – Vicario’s Set-Piece Blunders & Retegui’s Struggles

Player Ratings: Italy vs France – Vicario’s Set-Piece Blunders & Retegui’s Struggles

November 17, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Match Summary: Italy vs. France

Italy lost 3-1 to France in the Nations League group stage match at San Siro on November 17, 2024. This defeat cost Italy the top position in Group A2.

Scoring Highlights:

  • France opened the scoring with a goal from Adrien Rabiot just two minutes into the match.
  • Lucas Digne scored an own goal, increasing France’s lead after a free-kick rebounded off Italy’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario.
  • Andrea Cambiaso brought Italy back into the game with a goal just 90 seconds later.
  • Rabiot sealed the game with his second goal from a set piece in the second half.

Player Ratings:

Italy:

  • Vicario (4): Struggled with the corner leading to the first goal and contributed to the own goal.
  • Di Lorenzo (6): Strong performance compared to his last outing against France, solid in defense.
  • Buongiorno (5): Missed marking Rabiot for the opening goal and needed to better organize the defense.
  • Bastoni (5.5): Generally strong but disappointed by conceding from set pieces.
  • Cambiaso (6.5): Scored Italy’s only goal, showing good timing on Dimarco’s cross.
  • Frattesi (5): Looked slower and less impactful after a first-half injury.
  • Locatelli (5.5): Needed to challenge Rabiot more effectively for the second goal.
  • Tonali (6): Tried to inspire the team after falling behind but created few chances.
  • Dimarco (6.5): Provided the assist for Cambiaso’s goal, consistently threatening on the left.
  • Barella (6.5): Active in the first half wearing the captain’s armband but faded in the second.
  • Retegui (4): Struggled to make an impact, finishing with only 14 touches.

France:

  • Maignan (6): Reliable in goal.
  • Koundé (6): Solid performance in defense.
  • Konaté (6.5): Contributed effectively at the back.
  • Saliba (6.5): Good defensive display.
  • Digne (9): Key player, scored and contributed significantly.
  • Guendouzi (6.5): Impressive in midfield.
  • Koné (7): Strong all-around performance.
  • Rabiot (8): Outstanding, scored two crucial goals.
  • Nkunku (6): Lively but not always effective.
  • Kolo Muani (6): Managed to keep pressure on the defense.
  • Thuram (6.5): Provided support and movement up front.

Conclusion:
Italy’s performance fell short against France. They struggled defensively, especially at set pieces, and failed to capitalize on opportunities. The match highlighted areas for improvement as Italy heads into future competitions.