“France without Mbappe is underrated” – Fans react as Les Bleus demolish Italy 3-1 in Nations League

France pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory over Group 2 rivals Italy, despite star man and captain Kylian Mbappe not being part of the squad.

“France without Mbappe is underrated” – Fans react as Les Bleus demolish Italy 3-1 in Nations League

France won 3-1 over Italy to top Group 2 without Kylian Mbappe (Via X/@equipedefrance)

The UEFA Nations League fixture between Italy and France set the stage on fire as Les Bleus demolished their opponents. 3-1 read the final score as Didier Deschamps‘ side narrowly topped Group 2 in League A. Goals from Adrien Rabiot and an own goal forced by Lucas Digne meant that Italy let go of top spot due to goal difference.

The game erupted to life in the second minute, when Adrien Rabiot headed home from a Lucas Digne corner. With the early advantage, France then went on to demonstrate that their squad can fully function in the absence of their captain – Kylian Mbappe. The 33rd minute marked the second goal for the visitors, as Digne forced an own goal.

The Aston Villa left-back’s sublime free-kick bounced off the crossbar and hit Guglielmo Vicario before falling into the net.

FS Video

Andrea Cambiaso claimed a goal for the hosts, although France had no plans of letting go of their advantage. Rabiot then went on score a second header to seal the game, that too from a Digne assist.

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Fans react to France’s resounding victory without Kylian Mbappe

With just one loss, one draw and four wins, France secured qualification to the quarter finals of the UEFA Nations League. The fact that France did well without Kylian Mbappe surprised many. A few even claimed that Les Bleus perform better without the Real Madrid man, as exemplified by his troubles at club level.

Lucas Digne and Adrien Rabiot
Lucas Digne forced an own goal and Adrien Rabiot scored a brace vs Italy (Via X/@equipedefrance)

Lucas Digne scoring a free-kick (later awarded as an own goal) in his absence also forced several hilarious reactions, with fans recalling how Mbappe has always struggled to convert them. Many fans excitedly proclaimed that France will make it to the final of the competition.

Following the game, head coach Didier Deschamps clarified that Mbappe is going through a ‘complicated’ situation. The tactician said that the ‘head commands the legs’, thereby hinting at the player coming under mental stress and fatigue.

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Surprisingly, it remains to be seen whether Mbappe will be called up by Deschamps in the knockout stages of the Nations League in March 2025.