Italy Under-21 defeated France Under-21 2-1 on Friday in an international friendly at the Stade Francis-Le Basser in Laval, France, continuing a strong run of form ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
Following the senior national team’s recent success, Silvio Baldini’s Azzurrini side traveled to France and secured a victory through goals from Francesco Camarda and Luca Lipani, as reported by DAZN and La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Italy started the match with immediate intensity, earning four consecutive corner kicks within the opening two minutes while deploying an aggressive man-to-man press near the French penalty area, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s live reporting. The tactical approach smothered the buildup play of Les Bleus and created several early scoring opportunities.
Camarda tested the French defense early by using a backheel pass to set up Cacciamani, whose shot was stopped by goalkeeper Patouillet, while debutant Amatucci came close with a volley from a corner kick before the quarter-hour mark. La Gazzetta dello Sport said that France struggled to escape the Italian press, with a lone long-range effort from Gomis serving as their primary attacking spark in the opening period.
An Italian goal by Camarda was disallowed for offside in the 26th minute after Dagasso raced past Coulibaly to deliver a low cross, leaving the score level at halftime despite sustained pressure from the visitors, as detailed in DAZN’s text commentary.
The deadlock broke nine minutes into the second half when Dagasso drove forward with the ball and threaded a pass to Camarda, who converted from close range to give Italy the lead, according to DAZN.
France responded quickly in the 61st minute when Versini bypassed Bartesaghi and chipped an advancing Palmisani to equalize, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. However, Italy reclaimed the advantage seven minutes later following another high defensive recovery by Mane, allowing Lipani to pick his spot in the corner with a right-footed shot.
Late substitute Ethan Mbappé, tested Palmisani with a dangerous free-kick, but the Italian goalkeeper reacted quickly to preserve the victory, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The fixture tested an Italian squad that already secured qualification for the Under-21 European Championship scheduled for the upcoming summer in Albania and Serbia, as outlined by Corriere della Sera.
Ahead of the match, Silvio Baldini reflected on his squad during an interview with ANSA.
“Qui è una famiglia,” said Silvio Baldini told ANSA. “Faccio il paragone con le persone che lavorano all’estero e che, quando tornano a casa, trovano festa e armonia: quando vedo questi ragazzi provo quelle stesse emozioni.”
Baldini also emphasized the team’s culture in his remarks reported by ANSA.
“Sono speciali nel saper distinguere tra la professionalità del lavoro in campo e il divertimento fuori,” Baldini told ANSA. “Ci sono delle regole, ma la numero uno è quella dell’allegria: voglio vederli scherzare e ridere. Per me sono un dono divino.”
Italy will return home to face Belgium on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the Stadio di Livorno in their final fixture of the November international break.
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