DESIRE, PASSION BEHIND ITALY'S WIN

Spalletti praises young side's mental strength and teamwork in comeback victory in France

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Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said his side could easily have folded when they conceded an early goal away to France in their Nations League game on Sept 6, but they kept their heads and reacted quickly to earn the 3-1 victory.

A goal from Bradley Barcola after 12 seconds was a nightmare start, as defender Giovanni di Lorenzo allowed the French forward to steal possession instead of dealing with a simple back pass.

"Everyone reacted immediately, trying to give strength and tranquility to the team and then we played the game we needed to play," Spalletti told RAI after the final whistle.

"It was important to remain as a team, beyond the initial misfortune, because (there is) so much tension.

"That's why our mental strength was double, because the things that happen to you come from your head, your fears and from what you think you can't achieve." France failed to build on their stunning start and the Azzurri ran out deserving winners at the end through Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori.