Facing Balotelli’s Squadra Azzurra, the French team put on a show at the Allianz Riviera in Nice (3-1) and reassured everyone of its level of play. The Italians, still in reconstruction, showed courage but were limited.
There was a special atmosphere in the stands of the Allianz Riviera that Friday night. Besides the presence of the French team and its stars, another star was playing at home and was the focus of attention: Mario Balotelli.
In the yard that saw him rise from the ashes one night in September 2016, he was warmly welcomed by the Nice public, as if to congratulate him on his return to the national team but also to thank him for the two seasons spent in red and black. Contrary to rumors, he did not have the honor of the captain’s armband (and we understand why) despite the recent controversy triggered by Italian fans in Switzerland. But, as Nice fans said (on a banner forbidden by the stewards): “Pelle nera, sangue rosso… Mario, qua, sei il capitano!” (Black skin, red blood… Mario, here, you are the captain!).
He was probably playing his last match on the Allianz Riviera pitch that evening. And many people secretly hope he won’t come back wearing a white and blue jersey (the one sponsored by Orange). It’s a shame he left almost anonymously, at the same time as Pogba (in the 86th minute) because he deserved a nice ovation for his complete performance.
For an hour, the match lived up to its promises. The French had a convincing start, evidenced by the scoreboard thanks to Samuel Umtiti. Following a cross from Benjamin Pavard and a second post attempt from Kylian Mbappé repelled by Sirigu, the former Lyon player, waiting nearby, opened the scoring from close range (1-0, 9th minute).
While the Italians created two dangerous situations through Mario Balotelli (15th and 16th minutes), the French quickly resumed their forward thrust, and N’Golo Kanté hit Sirigu’s right post with a beautiful grounded strike from about 25 meters, after a pass back from Antoine Griezmann (20th minute).
Nine minutes later, the Atlético Madrid forward converted French domination into goals with a penalty, following a foul on Lucas Hernandez (2-0, 29th minute). Although dominated until then, the Italians managed to get back on the scoreboard. After a powerful free kick from Balotelli repelled by Hugo Lloris, Bonucci, alone at six meters, reignited the suspense (2-1, 36th minute).
After the break, fatigue took its toll. The forwards then benefited from larger spaces. In the 63rd minute, with a very beautiful curled right-footed shot, Ousmane Dembélé gave the French team a two-goal advantage again (3-1, 63rd minute). The FC Barcelona forward had hit Sirigu’s crossbar a bit earlier after outpacing the Italian defense on a counterattack (47th minute). The pace dropped at the end of the match.
DIDIER DESCHAMPS’ REACTION
“There are many things that pleased me. We conceded more situations in the second half, but we also showed our ability to move quickly and create chances. If we can be more efficient… This victory wraps up our first part of preparation. The players showed the mindset we expect. We’re not going to get carried away. Even if everything wasn’t perfect against Italy, we need to keep everything this group conveys in terms of ambition and enthusiasm.”
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ’S REACTION
“Our relationship in attack is promising, even if there are still two or three adjustments to make. I always say that I want to play with great players and today I am well-served. Antoine is part of the world top, Ousmane is for me the best young player in the world, so I am well surrounded. We need to refine the details, as a World Cup is played on details, for example, the gaps we have at the end of halves. We saw it, we conceded a goal, and then we were a bit hindered.”
ROBERTO MANCINI’S REACTION
“We made some mistakes, but France is among the best teams. We did some good things, but we know we need to improve, which is normal. I even hoped we could equalize at 2-2, but I’m not saying we deserved to win. France is superior to us. Even in friendlies, nobody likes to lose. For Berardi and Chiesa, it is a good experience to showcase their qualities and progress on the international level. I liked our personality, how our team was on the field. But we made several technical mistakes. France had four or five counter-attacks due to our mistakes. But that is also due to fatigue after a long season. Mario Balotelli played a good game, even better than against Saudi Arabia. Physically, he is at the level. But he can still improve.”
