Cambiaghi: ‘I could not have dreamed of a better Italy performance’
MILAN - NOVEMBER 12: Nicolo Cambiaghi of Italy is challenged by Malo Gusto and 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 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Nicolò Cambiaghi admits he ‘could not have dreamed of a better night’ with his best Italy performance in a 3-1 victory over France. ‘This match showed the strength of the squad.’
The Bologna winger was not perhaps the first choice for many people in the starting XI, but he more than silenced those doubters with his performance at San Siro.
He provided the assist for Pio Esposito’s equaliser after the Michael Olise opening goal, then was brought down for the penalty that Sebastiano Esposito fired wide.
After his substitution, Davide Frattesi and another spot-kick this time converted by Pio Esposito turned it around for a 3-1 success.
“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.”
It had been a very rough start for Italy, going behind within 10 minutes when Olise pounced on a Gianluigi Donnarumma howler playing out from the back.
Considering they hadn’t beaten France on home soil since May 1962, a comeback success seemed improbable at that moment.
“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,” added Cambiaghi.
“We don’t give up, we keep going and will not back down.”
It’s a far cry from the side that struggled in the World Cup qualifying campaign and crumbled in the play-offs to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“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.”
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