France 3-1 Italy: Barcelona Youngstar shines as he scores a screamer

France 3-1 Italy: Barcelona Youngstar shines as he scores a screamer

2018 Friendlies

3-1

Samuel Umtiti (8')

Antoine Griezmann (29' PEN)

Ousmane Dembele (63')

Leonardo Bonucci (36')

Match Events

France continue to show of their World Cup potential with a 3-1 win against European rivals Italy.

Samuel Umtiti, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele were on target for Les Bleus at Allianz Riviera on Friday, with Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci replying for the Azzurri.

Mario Balotelli shrugged off pre-match injury concerns but could not add to his goal on a return from a four-year international exile against Saudi Arabia, wasting numerous chances.

France took an early lead when Umtiti scored a rebound goal, Griezmann doubling the advantage from the penalty spot after Rolando Mandragora fouled Lucas Hernandez.

Bonucci replied before the interval, but France's outstanding front three continued to impress and when Dembele bent a 63rd-minute screamer into the top corner, a fine victory was assured.

Didier Deschamps' side will seek to add to their consecutive friendly wins when they face United States on June 9 in their final World Cup warm-up, while Roberto Mancini continues his rebuilding job when Italy, who did not qualify for Russia 2018, take on Netherlands on Monday.

Line-ups

France XI: Hugo Lloris, Adil Rami, Antoine Griezmann, Samuel Umtiti, Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kanté, Corentin Tolisso, Lucas Hernández, Ousmane Dembélé, Benjamin Pavard, Kylian Mbappé

Subs: Blaise Matuidi, Steve Mandanda, Steven N'Zonzi, Olivier Giroud, Djibril Sidibe, Alphonse Areola, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Mendy, Florian Thauvin, Nabil Fekir, Thomas Lemar, Presnel Kimpembe

Italy XI: Leonardo Bonucci, Mario Balotelli, Salvatore Sirigu, Danilo D'Ambrosio, Mattia De Sciglio, Jorginho, Domenico Berardi, Mattia Caldara, Rolando Mandragora, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Federico Chiesa

Subs: Giacomo Bonaventura, Simone Zaza, Mattia Perin, Simone Verdi, Lorenzo Insigne, Daniele Rugani, Alessandro Florenzi, Davide Zappacosta, Bryan Cristante, Andrea Belotti, Alessio Romagnoli, Matteo Politano