Bradley Barcola makes history, despite France defeat to Italy | OneFootball

After a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, which nonetheless saw France reach the semi-finals of the competition in Germany, there was little room for optimism at the Parc des Princes on Friday evening.

Les Bleus hosted Italy in a UEFA Nations League encounter at the Parc des Princes. It ultimately ended in a demoralising 3-1 defeat with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori enough to give La Squadra their first win on French soil since April 1954, whilst it is also the first time that France have lost two competitive matches since June 2015.

Not the ideal return to international football for France, who came in for some intense criticism for their negative play-style in Germany just two months prior. The night had, however, got off to a strong start with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola netting after just 13 seconds.

Barcola’s goal, which came from an Italy kick-off, and ended with a deft finish past PSG teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma, is the quickest goal in the history of the France national team. At least in the short-term, Barcola’s achievement may be overshadowed by what proceeded it.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle