Napoli winger Antonio Vergara said he was “so happy” to make his Italy debut in the 1-1 Nations League draw with France, although he admitted the Azzurri were disappointed not to take all three points.
Michael Olise put France ahead at the Stade de France when his free-kick took a deflection off the wall before going in off the underside of the crossbar.
Italy equalised when Alessandro Bastoni won possession from Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and finished to bring his side level.
The match also marked Vergara’s first appearance for Italy. The Napoli winger had emerged late in his career and had not represented his country at youth level, but he made an immediate impression after coming on as a substitute.
The 1-1 result ended France’s perfect start in the group, having beaten Turkiye and Belgium 1-0 away from home in their opening two matches.
Italy continued to push for victory, particularly after France defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off, but Roberto Mancini’s side could not find a winner.
“I am so happy with my debut, but this is the way I play, a debut is just another game for me,” Vergara told RAI Sport.
“The coach asked me to stay calm, and when I am in the right position, to take men on down the wing.”
Italy’s frustration at the final result was increased by their numerical advantage in the closing stages.
“We feel regret at not getting the win, above all when we had an extra man. We want to play open and attacking football against every opponent,” said Vergara.
“The fact we leave here unhappy with a draw means a lot about our confidence going forward.”
Vergara will hope to be given further opportunities when Italy host Turkiye on Monday evening. Victory would give them the chance to move above Belgium into second place.
Belgium moved into contention by beating Turkiye 3-0, with a brace from Vergara’s Napoli team-mate Kevin De Bruyne and involvement from his former team-mate Romelu Lukaku.
