Italy celebrates promotion in world ranking after victory over France

Italy defeated the French national team 3:1 in the Nations League. The match took place at the San Siro in Milan.

Roberto Mancini, who abruptly left the post three years ago in the summer, is now leading the team on the best path back to peak form. The coach emphasized his satisfaction after the match.

Three times in a row Italy missed qualification for the football World Cup. That was the third consecutive time.

The fans, the Tifosi, celebrated the Squadra Azzurra together with the 20‑year‑old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. The atmosphere was marked by jubilation and relief.

“These are the most beautiful games,” said Roberto Mancini after the 3:1. He spoke immediately after the final score.

The della Sport wrote: “All of Italy is making progress, and the victory over France could be a fresh start.” The comment underscores the new confidence.

On March 31, Italy lost in the penalty shootout against Bosnia‑Herzegovina and thus missed World Cup qualification for the third consecutive time. This result remains a sporting trauma.

Italy's historic home win over France puts Azzurri on top

The Nations‑League evening in Milan moved Formula 1 world champion Antonelli almost to tears. Even before kickoff, the fans celebrated the young Mercedes driver.

The nearly same‑aged Esposito brothers, Pio (21) and Sebastiano (24), were at the centre of attention. After a lead by Michael Olise, the younger brother equalised, and after the break the older missed the penalty. Davide Frattesi and Pio Esposito scored from the penalty spot and secured the victory – the first time in 64 years that Italy beat France at home.

“On the penalty I carried a double responsibility: to decide the game and to forget Seba’s mistake,” explained Inter striker Pio Esposito. He emphasized the importance of the goal for the team.

Pio Esposito has already scored nine goals in just 14 appearances for the Italian national team. This gives him a strike rate of almost one goal per game.

Condò praises the symphony against France in the Nations League

Ranking Rise and Outlook

After the 3:1 win, Italy has risen two places to rank 13 in the FIFA world ranking, overtaking Germany (14) and Croatia (15).

The Azzurri now hope for a positive away result against Belgium on Sunday evening, to get closer to the next targets – Switzerland (12), Colombia (11) and Mexico (10).

Another FIFA ranking update will be released on November 18.