France win five-goal thriller

France beat reigning European champions Italy 3-2 in a thrilling Under-21 international in Como on Tuesday night.

France race ahead
With both sides looking for a confidence boost in their last game ahead of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in Switzerland, it was Raymond Domenech's France who began the stronger, racing into a 2-0 lead within 19 minutes thanks to strikes from Julien Escudé and Pegguy Luyindula.

Arrears reduced
Claudio Gentile's side reduced the arrears on 23 minutes with an Andrea Pirlo penalty but Luyindula restored Les Bleuets' lead eight minutes later with a spot kick of his own.

Mascarone goal
Mascarone gave Italy hope with a 79th-minute goal but the visitors held on to secure an impressive victory.