Italy Put Up a Fight, but France Qualifies for Nations League Final
Italy 1-2 France
Italy fought valiantly, but France ultimately prevailed in the UEFA Nations League semi-final.
The match was played at the San Siro in Milan, and France took an early lead through Kylian Mbappé. Italy equalized in the second half through Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Mbappé scored again to give France the win.
France will now face Spain in the final of the Nations League, which will be played on October 10.
Italy started the match brightly and had the better of the chances in the early stages.
However, France took the lead against the run of play when Mbappé latched onto a through ball from Antoine Griezmann and finished coolly.
Italy continued to press for an equalizer, but France defended resolutely and Mbappé's goal proved to be the difference between the two sides at half-time.
Italy came out with renewed vigor in the second half and deservedly equalized through Pellegrini.
Pellegrini met a cross from Federico Chiesa and headed home from close range.
The goal gave Italy hope, but France regained the lead just 10 minutes later when Mbappé scored his second goal of the match.
Italy continued to fight until the end, but France held on to secure their place in the final.
The victory was a deserved one for France, who were the better side on the night.
Italy will be disappointed to have lost, but they can take heart from their performance.
They showed great spirit and determination, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
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