Italy’s 1-1 draw with France in Saint-Denis dominates the Italian sports papers, with Alessandro Bastoni’s equaliser, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s five outstanding saves and a performance full of character taking centre stage.
The Azzurri responded to Michael Olise’s goal through Bastoni in a match they could ultimately have won. Their display against a France side described as being packed with champions was seen as further evidence that Italy’s 4-1 victory in Turkiye was no fluke.
“ This is Italy,” declares one headline, while another praises a team that can “fight, entertain and come back”. The newspapers also highlighted the intensity and quality of Italy’s performance as they spoiled Zidane’s home debut in Paris.
Italy began positively, with Moise Kean and Davide Frattesi both causing immediate problems. Bastoni then provided the response to Olise’s moment of individual quality, while Donnarumma produced a series of crucial interventions to keep the visitors in the contest.
The result was regarded as particularly significant because Italy matched France for long periods and finished with a sense that victory had been possible. One report described the performance as combining “resistance, ideas, audacity and a phenomenal Donnarumma”.
“We showed personality,” Mancini said. He also praised the collective effort, saying: “We defended as a unit and attacked as a team. Great things in a tough game.”
Another headline quoted Mancini as saying: “Applauses, a real team.” Positive attention was also given to Vergara, who was described as having made a promising contribution.
Italy will face Turkiye in Bologna on Monday. Turkiye arrive after a 3-0 defeat by Belgium, while their coach Montella is under scrutiny. The match will offer Italy another test after the encouraging result in France.
Elsewhere, the papers report that Gasperini believes his Roma are “as close as ever to Inter”. Juventus’ planning includes Bernasconi, while Inter face a mission in Germany for Jeltsch.
Cisse is also quoted as saying: “You only saw 70% of my worth.” Napoli’s coverage includes Hojlund and a tribute to Ronaldo.
A separate report focuses on Licina, whose performance for Cremonese in a 1-0 defeat by Juventus caught the eye. The German attacking midfielder reportedly caused serious problems for the Juventus defenders before suffering an unfortunate injury. He fell badly and fractured his wrist, requiring immediate surgery.
Spalletti is trying Cambiaso as a regista, while Marchisio and Montero’s sons were applauded.
The newspapers also feature the first details of a planned development, under the headline: “This is how the Fila Museum will look.”
The vote on Malago and the risks facing Buonfiglio are among the other subjects covered in the day’s editions. Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
