Bradley Barcola scored the fastest goal ever by France, netting just 12 seconds into their UEFA Nations League opener, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat to Italy.
Barcola pounced on the clumsiness of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, stole the ball, and finished calmly for the first international goal. Italy, feeling the shock of the early goal, hit back strongly, almost drawing level a few minutes later as Davide Frattesi’s header hit the crossbar.
The Italians kept coming, and on the 30-minute mark, Federico Dimarco equalized with a beautiful volley after combining in a quick one-two with Sandro Tonali on the edge of the box. Italy was now in full control, and not too long after the break, the second came as Frattesi slid home after a pass from Mateo Retegui.
Substitute Giacomo Raspadori sealed the win with an assured finish after a perfect pass from Destiny Udogie. The defeat extended France’s poor form in the Nations League, with just one win in their last seven games since lifting the trophy in 2021.
Italy’s victory marks their first-ever opening win in the competition, a promising start under Luciano Spalletti.
