PARIS, June 1-- France fully displayed their talent and attacking capability as the World Cup favorite upset absentees Italy 3-1 in a warm-up in Nice on Friday. Samuel Umtiti poked an ice-breaker on eight minutes, before Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead through a penalty near the half-hour mark. After Italian captain Leonardo Bonucci halved the deficit, French promising star Ousmane Dembele wrapped up the victory with an astute curling shot. France coach Didier Deschamps kept four options in the starting line-up compared with Monday's two-goal victory against Ireland, including center half Umtiti, and he dispatched Hugo Lloris in front of goal. Kylian Mbappe, another youngster to watch in Russia, saw his sweeping effort on right back Benjamin Pavard's cross denied by Salvatore Sirigu, but Umtiti was on position to tap home. France midfielder N'Golo Kante had one shot beyond the penalty area hit the post in the 19th minute. Left back starter Lucas Hernandez made his own contributions to the home sides, as he earned a spot kick after being fouled in the box. The penalty was awarded following referee's consultation to Video Assistant Referee, and converted by Griezmann in the 29th minute. Italy, who are set to miss their first World Cup for the past six decades, got one back in the 36th minute. Lloris parried away striker Mario Balotelli's free-kick in Bonucci's way, and the veteran defender didn't waste the glorious chance to sweep home. |