Nicolò Cambiaghi expressed that he ‘could not have dreamed of a better night’ following Italy’s impressive 3-1 victory over France, describing the match as a showcase of the squad’s strength. The Bologna winger, who was not considered a top choice for many in the starting lineup, made a strong impact at San Siro, proving his critics wrong.
MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito of Italy scores his team’s first goal under pressure from Dayot Upamecano of France during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
He assisted Pio Esposito’s equaliser after Michael Olise opened the scoring, and later earned a penalty, which Sebastiano Esposito unfortunately fired wide. After Cambiaghi’s substitution, Italy managed to turn the game around, with Davide Frattesi and another penalty successfully converted by Pio Esposito sealing the 3-1 success.
Cambiaghi’s Best Italy Performance
MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Mike Maignan of France makes a save against Nicolo Cambiaghi of Italy during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“I am truly happy, it was a wonderful evening, and I could not have dreamed of a better night,” Cambiaghi told Sky Sport Italia. “I will take this, and work to keep having more nights like this.”
Italy started the match poorly, conceding a goal within the first ten minutes after a mistake by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Facing a side they hadn’t beaten on home soil since May 1962, a comeback seemed unlikely.
MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Nicolo Cambiaghi and Sandro Tonali during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
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Cambiaghi noted, “I think this match showed the strength of this squad. We managed to hit the reset button after going behind, we equalised and then turned it around for the victory. We don’t give up, we keep going and will not back down.”
His comments highlighted the significant improvement of the team compared to their struggles during the World Cup qualifying campaign. “The coach gave us a sense of calm; this is a group of players who enjoy being together. He doesn’t put too much pressure on us, we know what it is we need to do on the field.”
