Rabiot headed home twice at San Siro, each time from Digne dead-ball deliveries.

Digne also played a pivotal role in France's second goal, with his free-kick clattering the crossbar and bouncing in off the unfortunate Guglielmo Vicario.

Although Italy hit back through Andrea Cambiaso just two minutes after Vicario's own goal to make it 2-1, it could not find a second wind after Rabiot had restored Les Bleus' two-goal cushion midway through the second half.

Mike Maignan, playing in his home stadium, made a top class save from Moise Kean deep into stoppage time to preserve France's advantage and ensure Didier Deschamps' side, frustrated by Israel last time out, kept hold of top spot.

The result means France, which did not feel Kylian Mbappe's absence it had done against Israel, will be seeded in the quarter-finals draw, with those matches to be played in March.