By Emre Asikci
ISTANBUL (AA) - France pulled off a 3-1 upset against Italy on Sunday as Adrien Rabiot delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League.
Rabiot opened the scoring with an early header in the second minute thanks to a brilliant corner-kick delivery from Lucas Digne at San Siro Stadium in Milan.
In the 33rd minute, Digne curled in a free kick from a distance which hit goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and the crossbar before finding the back of the net, making it 2-0.
The strike has been officially recorded as Vicario's own goal.
Two minutes later, Italy closed the gap to one goal as Andrea Cambiaso finished from close range, making it 2-1.
In the 65th minute, Rabiot scored once again on a header, assisted by Digne, to give France a 3-1 lead.
With 13 points, France finished at the top of Group A2, edging out Italy on goal difference.
Both France and Italy have secured their spots in the quarterfinals.
Third-place Belgium and fourth-place Israel finished with four points each after six games.
- Sunday's results:
Latvia vs. Armenia: 1-2
North Macedonia vs. Faroe Islands: 1-0
Austria vs. Slovenia: 1-1
England vs. Republic of Ireland: 5-0
Finland vs. Greece: 0-2
Norway vs. Kazakhstan: 5-0
Israel vs. Belgium: 1-0
Italy vs. France: 1-3