PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 02: Ryan Cherky of France reacts alongside teammate Adrien Rabiot before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group stage match between France and Italy at Stade de France on October 02, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pauline Figuet/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot hailed Gianluigi Donnarumma as “extraordinary” and admired Roberto Mancini’s side after France’s 1-1 draw with Italy.
The Azzurri had the best chances in the first half at the Stade de France, but Michael Olise opened the scoring after his free-kick went under the bar.
Alessandro Bastoni robbed Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha to score the equaliser, and it was a bitter end to both teams even after Dayot Upamecano’s red card.
Rabiot impressed with Italy
“Italy played very well, we dominated at times and deserved to win, if it wasn’t for the extraordinary Gigio who made three or four incredible saves,” Milan midfielder Rabiot told Sky Sport Italia.
“Mentally, Italy were impressive and that should not be taken for granted after the first game against Belgium.”
The Azzurri faced the possibility of relegation to the Nations League after a 2-0 defeat at home, but bounced back with a 4-1 success in Turkey, followed by this strong performance in Paris.
It was Zinedine Zidane’s first goal since joining France following their 1-0 away win.
“We had a lot of chances and I think we deserved more, that’s what the manager said in the dressing room, but we’re happy with the approach. We pressed high, won the ball back regularly in their half, which is what the coach wanted us to do.
“Once we hit our arm, maybe we took our foot off the gas a little bit and that’s something we have to work on.”
Zidane’s France bench remains unbeaten, but the strange trend of all 12 of his last 12 goals coming in the second half has continued.
“There’s a lot of positives, he’s asking for other things, being aggressive right away to win the ball back, getting into more one-on-one situations. We saw the heart of the team, everyone defended and attacked together, so we’re doing really well in that sense.
“I was impressed with how the forwards worked like crazy out there to help. It’s a shame we didn’t get the win, but it was a good game.”
France remain top of Group A of the Nations League with 7 points, but are just one point ahead of Belgium, while Italy are on 4 points.
“We have one more important game against Belgium and it will be decisive for first place, then a few days off before we go back to Milan. We have a lot of games to play in the next few weeks and I hope we don’t get too many injuries,” concluded Rabiot.