Paul Pogba shines as Anthony Martial nets first goal for France

Pogba hugs Anthony Martial after his goal [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Paul Pogba shone on his return to Italy as France put their Euro 2016 final heartbreak behind them to beat the Azzurri 3-1 in Bari.

The Manchester star made his first appearance for Les Bleus since his £89million switch from Juventus to Old Trafford, and impressed at the heart of the French midfield.

Pogba curled a pass round the Italian defence in the 16th minute, from which his United teammate Anthony Martial profited, beating Gianluigi Buffon down low for his first international goal.

Graziano Pelle, the ex-Southampton striker, equalised just four minutes later however, after good work from Inter's Eder.

 However, the Premier League goal theme continued shortly after, Layvin Kurzawa's dinked ball into the area met by Olivier Giroud, who swivelled and volleyed into the net.

The striker hasn't yet started for Arsenal so far this term, but given the nod by Didier Deschamps, he netted his 21st goal for his country.

 Italy, under new coach Giampiero Ventura, handed 17-year-old wunderkind goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma his first Azzurri appearance at half-time, bringing him on for veteran Gigi Buffon - making his 162nd appearance.

But in the first international to feature a so-called video assistant referee (VAR) to help the officials on the pitch, Donnarumma was beaten in the 81st minute - and Pogba was again at the heart of affairs.

Receiving the ball just inside the left corner of the penalty area, Pogba faced up a defender, rolled his foot over the ball and played in the on-rushing Kurzawa, who beat Donnarumma from the angle.