Lucas Da Cunha’s second appearance for France turned on one loose touch in a crowded patch of grass. Italy’s equaliser in Friday’s 1-1 Nations League draw came after the Como midfielder lost possession deep in his own half, but the newcomer has taken full responsibility for the moment.
Da Cunha accepts responsibility for Italy goal
- France were in control of the match when Adrien Rabiot played the ball into Da Cunha with Italy pressing high inside the French half.
- Receiving with his back to play, Da Cunha failed to bring the pass under control and was dispossessed by Alessandro Bastoni.
- Bastoni then continued forward and finished the move himself in the 68th minute to make it 1-1.
- The goal prompted debate over whether Rabiot had exposed his teammate by choosing a difficult pass, but Da Cunha did not seek to share the blame.
“I was not alert enough,” Da Cunha said. “When you enter that area, you have to scan what is around you. I went to support Adri and I had not checked. I was hit immediately. After that, everything happens too quickly and there is nothing we can do.”
The 24-year-old said he was disappointed to have surrendered the ball on an occasion that proved costly for a France side which had largely dictated the game before Bastoni’s intervention.
Zidane offers public support
France coach Zinédine Zidane refused to single out Da Cunha after the final whistle. The midfielder has only recently joined the senior squad and is experiencing his first international window.
“I am not going to get into who is at fault,” Zidane said. “When there is an error, it belongs to everyone.”
Da Cunha had made a more assured impression in France’s 1-0 win in Belgium on Monday. His second cap was less comfortable, although the Nations League schedule gives him an immediate chance to respond when France meet Belgium again on Monday, with kick-off set for 20:45.
