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• Spalletti sees new intensity in Italy's play as France stunned

  Luciano Spalletti said Italy had shown a new level of intensity in their Nations League opener after they stunned France with a 3-1 comeback win at the Parc des Princes.

  Italy found themselves a goal down inside 12 seconds on Friday as Bradley Barcola dispossessed Giovanni Di Lorenzo before finishing coolly, but Federico Dimarco's brilliant volleyed equaliser precipitated a stirring fightback.

  Davide Frattesi put the Azzurri ahead early in the second half, then Giacomo Raspadori completed the scoring as Italy claimed their first-ever win at the Parc des Princes.

  The Azzurri had previously drawn three and lost one of their four matches at the venue, only scoring two goals, while they had not beaten France since doing so in the group stage at Euro 2008.

  Italy endured a dismal Euro 2024 campaign, scraping through their group before being dumped out by Switzerland in the last 16, but Spalletti saw a different side to his players on Friday.

  "I saw an intensity during training that we didn't have last time," Spalletti said. "Perhaps the players' physical shape had a role. 

  "The season has just started, and there is new enthusiasm. The other time, it was the end [of the season], and there had been things that perhaps led some to switch off. 

  "They bounced back tonight. Regardless of how this game went, we would have continued playing forever.

  "It's in the DNA of this group I've chosen for the Nations League and the World Cup qualifiers.

  "Three, four or five players have stayed home this time, but generally we are convinced that this group can give us so much."

  Italy's victory was marred somewhat by Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori being injured by a crunching tackle by Ousmane Dembele, with the former Bologna man writing in pain before being helped from the field.

  Spalletti, however, is hopeful the injury may not prove to be a serious one.

  "We need to assess Riccardo, but with our staff, we have a good chance to have him back with us for the next game," Spalletti said.

  Italy face Israel in their next match in Group A2 on Monday, with France hosting Belgium in another heavyweight tussle on the same day.

• Kane inspired by Messi and Ronaldo as England enter new era

  Harry Kane is drawing inspiration from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares to lead England into a new era.

  Kane has captained England to two European Championship finals only to finish on the losing side on both occasions, versus Italy in a penalty shoot-out at Euro 2020 and against Spain earlier this year.

  The Bayern Munich striker failed to hit top form at Euro 2024 in Germany and was substituted early in both the final and in a 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands.

  Kane scored twice from open play at the tournament – in a group-stage draw with Denmark and an extra-time victory over Slovakia in the last 16 – but was criticised for a series of lethargic displays. 

  However, the 31-year-old remains committed to the Three Lions as they enter the post-Gareth Southgate era and hopes to continue representing his country for many more years.

  "It's tough whenever you get so close to reaching one of the pinnacles of your career and it's taken away," Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live.

  "It makes me even more motivated. It puts the fire in the belly to try and get there. Our task is to get better.

  "I think when you look at players like Ronaldo, [Luka] Modric and Messi, all these players who are playing in their mid to late 30s, that's the inspiration for me because it shows that you can really play at a high level for a long time.

   

  "I want to play football for as long as possible and at the highest level for as long as possible. I use those players for motivation and inspiration to be able to do that.

  "I feel I am in a really good place both mentally and physically to have another great season, hopefully that continues for many years to come."

  England face the Republic of Ireland in their first game since Southgate's departure on Saturday, with former under-21 boss Lee Carsley in interim charge.

  Kane admits it was strange to return to the Three Lions camp without their long-serving former boss, under whom he netted 61 goals, the most ever scored by any England player under a single manager. 

  "It felt a little bit strange when we first came into camp," Kane said. "The boss has his own ideas and identity. 

  "We did a lot of good things with Gareth but ultimately the new coach has fresh ideas. It's been good. There are a lot of young players excited to be here and express themselves."

• Deschamps ready for criticism after 'light went out' in Italy defeat

  Didier Deschamps is prepared to face the critics after France kickstarted their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Italy on Friday. 

  Bradley Barcola handed the hosts a lead with just 12 seconds on the clock, only for the Azzurri to respond to secure their first victory over France at the Parc des Princes.

  After scoring just once from open play at Euro 2024, Les Bleus failed to trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma, with only three of their 12 shots in the encounter on target, all of which came in the first 45 minutes.

  France registered an expected goals (xG) total of 0.86 compared to Italy's 1.71, with Kylian Mbappe enduring another difficult night in front of goal. 

  Despite winning both the World Cup and the Nations League during his time in charge, Deschamps is ready for criticism, having previously come under fire in Germany.

  “I am accustomed to criticism, even if I won more than lost in my career," Deschamps said.

  "I knew our fitness levels were not at the best, but it is a young squad with Olise and Manu Kone getting their senior debuts. These are the necessary steps to grow.

  “I have always been clear-eyed on what we were doing. Unfortunately, in terms of intensity and physicality, Italy did more than us.

  “It irritates me that our first 20 minutes were so good and then the light went out.”

  Despite starting well, France failed to find that attacking spark that many have feared on the international stage in recent years. 

  With the likes of Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram all experienced in the senior side, it was Barcola, on his sixth start for his country, who shone. 

  He contributed an expected goals (xG) total of 0.45 to France's total, registering more shots (three) than anyone for Les Bleus.

  But speaking after the game, Deschamps praised Italy's stern defensive showing, acknowledging his side's quick start was difficult to maintain.

  “We had started so well, scoring the goal and putting good pressure on Italy," Deschamps told RAI Sport.

  "It’s tough to keep that high press and intensity up, even before half-time I saw a physical dip. We made mistakes, which allowed Italy to equalise.

  “In trying that high press, we opened up spaces and Italy hurt us with attacking players who pushed up. Without a solid block, it became very difficult for us.

  "Italy defend very well and we have great attacking players, but you have to be wary leaving those spaces or they’ll hurt you in return.”