Internationals | Vicario called upon but Italy lose out

Guglielmo Vicario was drafted in for his fourth cap for Italy on Sunday night, but couldn’t prevent opponents France from escaping with a 3-1 win.

Vic came in after Italy’s regular goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma was reportedly struck down by a stomach bug before the game, but was beaten by two Adrien Rabiot headers, along with a Lucas Digne free-kick that deflected in off him after striking the crossbar.

Andrea Cambiaso scored Italy’s goal 10 minutes before the break, making it 2-1 at the time.

Destiny Udogie also featured for the hosts, coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute.

The result at the San Siro meant France pipped Italy to top spot in group A2 of the UEFA Nations League by a single goal and will therefore be seeded for the next stage – even a 2-1 defeat would have been enough for the Azzurri to finish first, but it wasn’t to be.

Both sides, however, were already assured of a place in March’s quarter-finals before kick-off.

All four of Vic’s caps for Italy have come during this calendar year, following his debut in a friendly against Ecuador in March.

Victory for Solomon, Maguire makes Republic of Ireland Under-21s debut

On-loan Manor Solomon played 90 minutes for Israel as they defeated Belgium 1-0 in Hungary on Sunday night.

Yarden Shua scored the only goal in the 86th minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his side’s relegation from the Nations League’s top tier – Israel needed a 3-0 win in order to stay up, a result which would have relegated Belgium instead.

Earlier on Sunday, Development Squad goalkeeper Aaron Maguire made his debut at Under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland as they defeated Sweden 3-2 in the second of two friendlies in Marbella during this international window.

Aaron started the game and completed 61 minutes before being substituted.