CFP
France won the Nations League on Sunday after coming from a goal down to beat Spain 2-1 in Milan.
Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe struck to claim the title for world champions France after Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead midway through the second half.
The win will ease some of the pain created by an early exit from Euro 2020 at the hands of Switzerland and highlighted just how powerful France are going forward.
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring a goal against Spain during the UEFA Nations League final at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, October 10, 2021. /CFP
Les Bleus came out on top of a match at the San Siro which came to life after Oyarzabal slid home the opener in the 64th minute.
France had keeper Hugo Lloris to thank for two late saves as Deschamps's side held on for the victory against intense Spanish pressure.
Lloris got down well to keep out a low shot from Oyarzabal in the 89th minute and then in stoppage time he reacted superbly to parry a strike from substitute Yeremi Pino.
Italy's Nicolo Barella (R) challenges for the ball with Belgium's Yannick Carrasco (L) during their UEFA Nations League match at the Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy, October 10, 2021. /CFP
Nicolo Barella's thunderous strike and a penalty converted by Domenico Berardi earned hosts Italy a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Sunday and third place in this year's Nations League.
It offered some consolation for the European champions, whose semi-final loss to Spain in Milan on October 6 ended their record 37-match unbeaten run.
They returned to winning ways as Barella volleyed a poor corner clearance into the net one minute into the second half and Berardi added the second from the spot in the 65th minute, after Timothy Castagne had brought down the tricky Federico Chiesa.
Belgium claimed a consolation in the 86th minute when substitute Charles De Ketelaere finished off a quick counter- attack.
Domenico Berardi (in blue) of Italy battles for the ball with Belgium players during the UEFA Nations League match at the Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy, October 10, 2021. /CFP
Belgium, who were without Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku and only brought on Kevin De Bruyne in the second half, hit the woodwork three times but were outplayed for large portions of the match by their hosts at the Juventus Stadium.
"Today we played very well, we were excellent. We have different solutions and quality in midfield, today they did well," Italy coach Roberto Mancini told RAI television.
"We had a lot of younger players today and they did decently," De Bruyne said. "It was good for them to play against a team of Italy's quality."
(With input from agencies)