Deschamps expects confidence boost

France coach Didier Deschamps refused to play down the importance of Wednesday's win over Italy in their international friendly. Substitute Bafetimbi Gomis struck a second-half winner as Les Bleus came from behind to win in Parma. In-form AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy had given Italy a first-half lead but a brilliant effort from Mathieu Valbuena saw France draw level almost immediately and then Gomis put them ahead four minutes after coming on as a 63rd-minute replacement. Deschamps' side are in good form at the moment, with the win over Italy and their 1-1 draw against reigning world and European champions Spain in their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier showing their potential. "We were not beaten by Spain and then we have won at the home of the vice-champion of Europe. This is not nothing," Deschamps told L'Equipe. "There are still many things to improve, but the players really want to do well to follow [on from this]. This victory will certainly bring a lot of confidence for the future. This is a very good thing for the last game of the year." France and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes there is real confidence in the side after the result. He said: "We are united in moments of difficulty, we do not lose and make sacrifices for each other. You want to instil this winning culture day after day, game after game." Midfielder Valbuena added: "It is true that it went well. We wanted to stay with the dynamics of our match in Spain. Everyone pulls in the same direction. This is very encouraging for the future." From : Fifa