The question after the first two Nations League games was wondering which was the real Nazionale, the one that lost 2-0 at home to Belgium, or the side that crushed Turkiye 4-1 in Bursa?
This evening’s performance at the Stade de France seemed to give a response, because it was another strong performance showing progress, as Alessandro Bastoni surged forward and robbed Lucas Da Cunha to cancel out the deflected Michael Olise free kick.
It was the first goal conceded by Zinedine Zidane’s France since he took charge, and the atmosphere was set up for this to be his celebration, but it was ruined by the Azzurri.
Donnarumma the hero for Italy in Paris
“Coming here and putting in such a good performance is not something everyone can do,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia.
Of course, this is a familiar city to the goalkeeper, who spent several years at Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Champions League.
“France are a phenomenal team, and even when we had to defend with a low block, we were united, so I really liked that. I was sad after the Belgium game because it hurts me when we lose, but this is the start of a long journey, and I knew we could have a defeat.
“I am very happy with what this team is doing and we came here with a great attitude. Bastoni’s goal saw him come forward and attack them in possession, that is the attitude of a great team.”
The Manchester City goalkeeper had to make seven saves this evening, the third most in an Italy match during his career.
“I am in a good period of form, I feel calm and they were good saves tonight, but I’m happy because I helped the team and it was a wonderful performance from the whole side.”
France confirmed that each of their last 12 goals have been scored after the half-time break, but Les Bleus have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven meetings with Italy.
“The young players must be allowed the opportunity to make mistakes, because that is how you can experience and maturity. We older figures will try to help them, on and off the field, let them realise how important it is to give 100 per cent in every training session.”
There is some news ahead of the final game in this run against Turkiye in Bologna on Monday, because Arda Guler was sent off in a 3-0 defeat to Belgium and will therefore be suspended.