Trailing badly after Italy’s first two goals, Les Bleuets had to rely on the talent of Rayan Cherki, who scored and provided the decisive assist late on, to snatch a draw (2-2).
Deprived of a number of key players, but buoyed by a sparkling Ryan Cherki, France’s Espoirs team earned an encouraging draw in Italy (2-2) in a friendly match in preparation for Euro-2025, on Friday in Empoli.
One month after qualifying for the European Championship (June 11-28, 2025 in Slovakia), Gérald Baticle had an idea of the depth and quality of the squad at his disposal.
Missed third goal
Forced to make do without the services of several key players through injury (Malo Gusto, Maghnes Akliouche, Hugo Ekitike, Tanguy Kouassi, Castello Lukeba and Quentin Merlin) as well as goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who has been promoted to the senior squad, Les Bleuets’ coach has every reason to be reassured by his side’s performance.
Technically dominated in the first half by the young Italians, who took the lead after two goals from Cesare Casadei (16th) and Giuseppe Ambrosino (44th), taking advantage of France’s defensive lapses, the Espoirs came back after the break under the impetus of Cherki.
The Lyon striker, long criticized for his overly individualistic style of play, seems to have turned a corner this season. Back with Les Bleuets, the Olympic vice-champion single-handedly dynamited the Italian rearguard in the second half. After reducing the deficit from close range (58th), he showed his class by alerting Valentin Atangana for the equaliser (65th). Cherki could even have been the source of a third French goal, but Saël Kumbedi failed to convert the Rhone striker’s excellent service (76th).
After losing 2-1 at home to Austria on October 15 in Nancy, Gérald Baticle’s troops have now turned their heads and boosted their morale ahead of the Euro. Les Bleuets will have one final meeting on Tuesday in a friendly against Germany in Valenciennes, to end the year on a new positive note.