Italy overcome France as Roberto Mancini demands penalty-taking clarity

Italy ended a 64-year wait for a home win over France with a 3-1 victory, but Roberto Mancini was left frustrated by an early Gianluigi Donnarumma error and a penalty-taking dispute involving Sebastiano and Pio Esposito.

The result delivered an important statement from the Azzurri, who recovered from conceding an early goal to produce an impressive performance. Mancini praised his players’ response, while warning that the team still has significant work ahead after failing to qualify for the World Cup three times in succession.

“It was a great performance,” Mancini said after the match. “The players produced an excellent display and I am very happy for them. This victory was extremely important for the supporters who came to the stadium.”

Donnarumma’s error allowed Michael Olise to score the opening goal and briefly threatened to put the hosts under pressure from the outset. However, Italy settled quickly and regained control rather than allowing the setback to disrupt their performance.

“It was a mistake and, unfortunately, these things happen in football,” Mancini said. “But we kept our composure and returned to playing in the way we know. That is the most important thing.”

Mancini said the victory was only one step in a longer process as Italy attempt to restore their status among the leading international teams.

“There is still a lot of work to do. The road is long, but the players are determined to come back strongly,” he added. “Little by little, we will achieve a good objective. I liked everything today, although we conceded an early goal and the match could have ended in a heavy defeat.”

Esposito penalty dispute

With the score level at 1-1 in the 60th minute, Italy were awarded their first penalty after Cambiaghi was fouled by Malo Gusto. Pio Esposito was expected to take the kick, but his brother Sebastiano stepped forward and sent the ball wide.

Mancini reacted angrily, while Gabriele Oriali and Leonardo Bonucci intervened to make clear that Sebastiano had not been the designated taker. The player was substituted a few minutes later as attempts were made to explain the incident to the manager.

Pio Esposito said his brother had a stronger penalty record, but accepted that he should have taken the attempt.

“My brother has scored more penalties than me, but he should not have taken it,” Pio said. “We were both on the list of penalty takers. Seba has scored the most penalties in the whole team, and any player can miss one.”

Mancini, however, insisted there had been no uncertainty over the instructions.

“Pio Esposito should have taken the penalty, and next time the Esposito brothers will not make the same mistake,” he said.

Italy must now travel to Brussels to face Belgium in their final group match. Mancini urged his players not to overstate the significance of the win.

“There are many things to think about,” he said. “This victory does not mean much on its own. Now we have to go to Belgium and win.”

The success also ended Italy’s long wait for a home victory over France. Their previous win on Italian soil came on 5 May 1962, when they beat France 2-1 in Florence.