France gain more respect with Italy victory

Les Bleus are locked with Spain in their World Cup qualifying group after drawing 1-1 away against the world and European champions last month before beating Euro 2012 runners-up Italy 2-1 in Parma in a friendly on Wednesday.

"We are not the strongest [team] but we have qualities," said coach Didier Deschamps, who took over from Laurent Blanc in August after France were knocked out in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1