We showed the true face of France: Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot said he and his teammates showed the "true face of the French national team" after he fired Les Bleus to the top of their Nations League group with a headed brace in the 3-1 win over Italy at the San Siro on Nov 17.

Former Juventus midfielder Rabiot netted from Lucas Digne's set pieces in each half at the home of his former Milanese rivals to ensure that France leapfrogged Italy into first place in Group A2 on goal difference, with both teams already in the quarter-finals before kick-off.

Digne - like Rabiot making his 50th appearance for his country - was also crucial to France's second goal, as it was his stunning 33rd-minute free kick which crashed off the woodwork and into the net off Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

France were on their way to top spot when Digne forced home via Vicario's back as they needed to win by at least two goals to move above Italy.

Andrea Cambiaso's neat first-time finish moments after Digne's strike put Italy back on top on head-to-head record, due to their 3-1 win in Paris back in September.