France came back from a goal down to beat Italy 2-1 Wednesday in a high-profile international, sending the Azzurri to their fifth consecutive friendly defeat, the worst streak in their history.
After Stephen El Shaarawy gave Italy the lead in the 35th minute, Mathieu Valbuena equalized for France two minutes later and substitute Bafetimbi Gomis scored the winner in the 67th.
Italy striker Mario Balotelli hit the crossbar with a long-range shot in the 10th and teammate Emanuele Giaccherini also struck the goal-frame in the 86th.
Italy played without top goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, with Paris Saint-Germain's Salvatore Sirigu instead starting the match. Also, midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo only came on in the 49th.
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France's Bafetimbi Gomis (C) celebrates after scoring a second goal against Italy.
Photo: REUTERS
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France's coach Didier Deschamps celebrates after Bafetimbi Gomis (18) scored the game-winner for France.
Photo: REUTERS
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France's Mathieu Valbuena (L) celebrates with his team mates after scoring against Italy.
Photo: REUTERS
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Italy's Mario Balotelli (L) fights for the ball with France's Etienne Capoue.
Photo: REUTERS
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Italy's Stephan El Shaarawy (L) celebrates with his team mate Mario Balotelli.
Photo: REUTERS
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Italy's Stephan El Shaarawy celebrates after scoring against France.
Photo: REUTERS
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Italy's Stephan El Shaarawy (L) jumps for the ball with France's Mathieu Debuchy during their friendly soccer match.
Photo: REUTERS
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Italy's Christian Maggio (L) and Antonio Candreva fight for the ball with France's Blaise Matuidi.
Photo: REUTERS
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France's coach Didier Deschamps looks on before the start of their international friendly soccer match against Italy.
Photo: REUTERS
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France's Bafetimbi Gomis (C) celebrates after scoring a second goal against Italy.
Photo: REUTERS
