Italy coach Luciano Spallletti hails
his side's composure and strength of character after the
recovered from conceding in the first 14 seconds to beat France
3-1 in Paris in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.
France's Bradley Barcola took advantage of carelessness after
the kickoff to put the hosts in front immediately.
But the visitors kept their heads and played some good football
to triumph with fine goals by Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi
and Giacomo Raspadori.
"The reaction from the whole side after the goal was the key to
the game," said Spallletti, who admitted to relief at the
comeback, with Italy trying to put their poor showing at Euro
2024 behind them.
"Everyone showed the right strength and calmness to do what we
had to do.
"It was important to stay in it after the mistake and to double
down on our mental strength.
"As well as the goals, we had many great passages of play.
"Tonight we were giants, just like our opposition. The lads did
well to adapt, they fought and gave their hearts and souls to
put in a big performance against tough opposition".
Italy will be back in action in Monday, taking on Israel in
Budapest.
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