08 September 2015
Paul Pogba and Patrice Evra's France made it two wins on the spin as they saw off Serbia in Bordeaux last night in an international friendly.
Two fine Blaise Matuidi strikes in quick succession during the first period put Les Bleus in control, the first a firm header after a hanging leap to meet Bacary Sagna's cross, the second a thumping volley from Mathieu Valbuena's half-cleared corner.
A fortuitous goal off the knee of Aleksandar Mitrovic shortly before the break proved to be just a consolation for Serbia as they were unable to penetrate an organised French rearguard.
Meanwhile, Juventus' Emil Audero was an unused substitute as Italy's U19s overturned Ireland by two goals to one in a tight encounter in Cava de Terreni.
In a competitive first period, the visitors took a surprise lead just past the half hour mark as Swansea City midfielder Tom Holland pounced on a defensive mix-up to stab home from close range. But the Italians rallied after the interval as goals from Luca Vido and Ivan De Santis earned a good win for Paolo Vanoli's young guns.
Tonight all eyes will be on Wembley Stadium as Stephan Lichtsteiner's Switzerland take on England (20.45 CEST), looking to carry over the momentum of their last gasp 3-2 win over Group H rivals Slovenia last time out.
That victory in Basel on Saturday night gave the Swiss a five point cushion in second place, and three points tonight will all but seal their passage to next summer's finals.
Across the Atlantic, the Bianconeri's South American contingent will be back in friendly action as Martin Caceres' Uruguay take on Costa Rica (04.00) in a repeat of last year's World Cup fixture and Roberto Pereyra's Argentina meet Mexico (04.00) in Arlington, Texas.
