France consign young Italy to fifth friendly defeat
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Italy defender Andrea Barzagli (left) challenges for the ball with France midfielder Blaise Matuidi during a friendly soccer match between Italy and France at the Parma Tardini stadium, Italy, Wednesday, Nov 14, 2012. Second half substitute Bafetimbi Gomis scored a 68th minute winner as France prevailed 2-1 to consign Italy to their fifth consecutive friendly defeat here on Wednesday. -- PHOTO:AP
PARMA, Italy (AFP) - Second half substitute Bafetimbi Gomis scored a 68th minute winner as France prevailed 2-1 to consign Italy to their fifth consecutive friendly defeat here on Wednesday.
AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring just after the half hour for the hosts only for France to level moments later thanks to a fine individual effort from Marseille forward Mathieu Valbuena.
Gomis came on just after the hour to score and though Italy battled for the remainder Cesare Prandelli's side had to settle for their fifth friendly defeat since a 2-0 reverse in Poland a year ago.
France started with virtually the same team that secured a commendable 1-1 draw away to world and European champions Spain in a World Cup qualifier.
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