France suffer another setback against Italy as Under-20s lose 3-0

France’s Under-20 side were beaten 3-0 by Italy on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the senior teams drew 1-1 at the Stade de France.

The defeat means Bernard Diomede’s side leave La Nucia in Spain having lost all three of their matches there. France had previously been beaten 1-0 by Germany and 2-1 by England before suffering a heavy loss to Italy.

Italy took the lead in the 31st minute when Emanuele Rao converted a penalty. France were offered a chance to respond shortly before half-time, but Marseille winger Tadjeddine Mmadi, 19, saw his spot-kick saved by the Italian goalkeeper, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

Mattia Mosconi doubled Italy’s advantage in the 59th minute before Giacomo De Pieri completed the scoring in stoppage time.

The result followed Friday’s meeting between the senior sides, when France took the lead through Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise. His powerful strike put the hosts ahead in the 55th minute.

Italy equalised 13 minutes later through Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who capitalised on a mistake by France midfielder Lucas De Cunha after he failed to retain possession.

Despite being held, France remain top of Group A with seven points. Belgium are second on six points, while Italy moved to third with four. Turkiye are bottom without a point.