France were beaten by Italy for the second time in less than 24 hours as the Under-20 side suffered a 3-0 defeat in La Nucia, Spain.
The result followed a 1-1 draw between the senior teams at Stade de France on Friday evening, leaving France without a win against Italy across the two matches.
Bernard Diomede’s Under-20 team also ended their time in La Nucia with three consecutive defeats. They had previously lost 1-0 to Germany and 2-1 to England.
Italy took control of Saturday’s match in the 31st minute when Emanuele Rao converted a penalty. Mattia Mosconi doubled their advantage in the 59th minute before Giacomo De Pieri completed the scoring in stoppage time.
France were given an opportunity to reduce the deficit shortly before half-time, but Marseille winger Tadjeddine Mmadi, 19, saw his penalty saved by the Italy goalkeeper, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
The defeat added to a difficult day for France against Italy after the senior teams had shared the points the previous evening.
France had taken the lead in that match through Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise, who struck with a powerful shot in the 55th minute.
Italy equalised in the 68th minute when Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni finished after France midfielder Lucas De Cunha lost possession.
Despite the draw, France moved to seven points and remain top of Group A. Belgium are second on six points, while Italy are third with four. Turkey are bottom without a point.
