France 3 Italy 1: Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umtiti on target as Roberto Mancini tastes first defeat


ROBERTO MANCINI suffered his first defeat as Italy boss in a 3-1 defeat to World Cup hopefuls France.

Didier Deschamps’ men made light work of their opponents during a one-sided game in Paris.

Antoine Griezmann scored as France beat Italy 3-1
Antoine Griezmann scored as France beat Italy 3-1
Reuters

Goals from Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umtiti were enough to earn the home side a win.

Although a consolation from Leonardo Bonucci following Hugo Lloris’ mistake will give Deschamps plenty to chew over until the start of the tournament.

New Italy boss Mancini was looking to make it two wins from two games after beating Saudi Arabia last month.

But it all went wrong early on when Umtiti got France off to a flyer in the 8th minute.

Samuel Umtiti opened the scoring for France
Samuel Umtiti opened the scoring for France
AP:Associated Press

Griezmann then doubled their advantage in the 29th minute when he slotted home from a penalty.

However, Italy gave their hosts a shock when Bonucci fired in at close range following a clumsy spill from Lloris.


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The goalie failed to take control of Mario Balotelli’s free-kick ten minutes before the break, and the likes of Alphonse Areola will be hoping to take advantage in France’s final friendly against the United States.

But the Euro 2016 finalists saw their lead secured when Dembele scored after 63 minutes, allowing the French to comfortably ride out the final half hour.

Leonardo Bonucci pulled one back for the visitors
Leonardo Bonucci pulled one back for the visitors
EPA

France: Lloris, Pavard, Rami, Umtiti, Hernandez (Mendy), Tolisso (Matuidi), Kante, Pogba (N’Zonzi), Mbappe (Thauvin), Griezmann (Giroud), Dembele (Lemar)

Subs not used: Kimpembe, Varane, Mandanda, Fekir, Sidibe, Areola

Goals: Umtiti 8’, Griezmann 29’ (pen), Dembele 63’

Italy: Sirigu, D’Ambrosio (Florenzi), Caldara, Bonucci, De Sciglio, Pellegrini (Cristante), Jorginho (Bonaventura), Mandragora, Berardi (Insigne), Balotelli (Belotti), Chiesa (Zappacosta)

Subs not used: Romagnoli, Zaza, Perin, Rugani, Politano, Verdi

Goal: Bonucci 39’

Booked: Pellegrini

Ousmane Dembele ensured the night belonged to France
Ousmane Dembele ensured the night belonged to France
AFP

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