In the second match of their friendly double-header with France, Franceschini’s Azzurrini got revenge for their 3-0 loss last time out, running out 2-1 winners in front of a big and exuberant crowd at the Gran Sasso d’Italia in L'Aquila. The coaches named completely different sides to those that started two days ago before shaking things up as the game progressed. Italy took the lead early on through a fine left-footed strike from Genoa striker Federico Accornero but were then pegged back by France, who equalised through Pelon from a corner with 27 minutes on the clock. 15 minutes from time, Gabriele Indragoli took advantage of some slack French defending to head home the winner from Ndour’s set-piece. Daniele Franceschini was very pleased: “It was an excellent performance and great response from the lads after the first match, where we failed to fully bring our game to the table. Today, the team displayed heart, character, ideas and their technical ability. Winning against France is never easy. I’m happy for the lads; for them, it’s a great moment that will help them work better and improve.”

ITALY 2-1 FRANCE
Goalscorers: 4’ Accornero, 28’ Pelon (F), 76’ Indragoli

ITALY (4-2-3-1): Scaglia, Kayode (Missori 66’), Bozzolan, Maressa, Cagia (Dellavalle 66’), Indragoli, D’Andrea (Stivanello 87’), Ignacchitti, Alessio (Raimondo 66’), Accornero (k) (Ndour 66’), Pisilli (Kumi 60’). Substitutes: Mastrantonio, Regonesi, Doratiotto, Pagano, Rossi. Coach: Daniele Franceschini.
FRANCE (4-3-3): Mabon, Allix, Kouqdou (Vogel 74’), Louisjean, Pelon, Danois (Bouanani 86’), Koeberle (Ugochukwu 74’), Mozou Sacko (Tel 62’), Kanoute (Pirringuel 62’), Samake (Gharbi 74’), Kari (Fayad 86’). Substitutes: Risser Birckel, Kore, Mikelbrencis. Coach: Lionel Rouxel.

Referee: Ghinelli; Linesmen: De Santis and Lombardi; Fourth Official: Andrianbelo.
Bookings: Cagia (I).
Attendance: 1000.