After Bradley Barcola put the hosts ahead just 13 seconds in on Friday, Italy struck back with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori.
The Azzurri hadn’t beaten France in Paris in 70 years.
Barcola’s first international goal came after Italy full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo lost possession, allowing Barcola to advance on goal and shoot past the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
DiMarco’s equaliser was an extraordinary, angled volley into the far corner following an exchange with Sandro Tonali, who provided the assist with a backheel flick.
Frattesi scored his sixth goal in 20 appearances — impressive for a midfielder— by redirecting a cross from Mateo Retegui.
Then Raspadori, a substitute, sealed it by concluding a counterattack.
“It was not easy to get back on track after the Euros,” Dimarco said, referring to Italy’s loss to Switzerland in the round of 16 during the summer.
“We needed this victory to raise the morale of the team.”
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti was pleased with the comeback.
“The reaction from the whole side after the goal was the key to the game,” he said.
“Everyone showed the right strength and calmness to do what we had to do.
“It was important to stay in it after the mistake and to double down on our mental strength.
“As well as the goals, we had many great passages of play.
“Tonight, we were giants, just like our opposition.
“The lads did well to adapt, they fought and gave their hearts and souls to put in a big performance against tough opposition.”
AAP/ANSA
