Barcola goal after just 13 seconds in Nations League… but Azzurri lead

Bradley Barcola needed just 13 seconds to score the first goal in France vs Italy as Les Bleus made a remarkable start to their Uefa Nations League season at the Parc des Princes.

Attacker Barcola pounced on slack possession and swept a thunderous finish past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the meeting of European heavyweights in League A Group 2.

Barcola plays his club football at the setting for Paris St-Germain, making a scintillating start to the Ligue 1 season with three goals in four appearances.

His side were playing for the first time since their Euro 2024 semi-final exit to eventual champions Spain in Germany in July.

𝑨 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅

Bradley Barcola with France’s fastest-ever goal, scoring after 12 seconds!

🇫🇷 1-1 🇮🇹 | #FRAITA | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/3LbMGEvDTZ

— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) September 6, 2024

France vs Italy: Dimarco, Frattesi goals

Italy struck back before the break with a sensational reply from full-back Federico Dimarco, sending a first-time effort over goalkeeper Mike Maignan from an angle.

Dimarco’s thunderous drive was set up by a masterful improvised flick from returning Azzurri midfielder Sandro Tonali, of Premier League Newcastle.

Luciano Spalletti’s side then took the lead after the break when Davide Frattesi slotted in first time to complete a slick passing move.

He’s just that good 🤷‍♂️#FRAITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Z3DufbyQ39

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 6, 2024

Mbappe tests Donnarumma

In an end-to-end first half, Kylian Mbappe also tested Donnarumma as the France captain made his first international appearance since signing for Real Madrid.

Frattesi had hit the crossbar with a firm header shortly after Barcola’s opener as the visitors looked to recover from an underwhelming Euro 2024.

Spalletti’s first major tournament in charge produced only one win in four matches and a round of 16 exit to Switzerland.