Rabiot scores brace as France beats Italy 3-1 to top group

Ex-Juventus midfielder Rabiot netted from Lucas Digne set-pieces in each half at the home of his former Milanese rival to ensure that Les Bleus leapfrogged Italy into top spot on goal difference, with both teams already in the quarterfinals 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 free-kick in the 33rd minute which crashed out off the woodwork and into the net off Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

France was on its way to top spot when Digne forced home via Vicario’s back as it 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 the head-to-head record due to its 3-1 win in Paris back in September.