Italy are in the European Under-19 Championship semi-finals, but were beaten 4-1 by France and therefore finish second in the group after taking the lead.
Both teams already knew their status in the final four was safe going into the game, having won their two matches against Romania and Slovakia.
The Azzurrini had taken the lead through Roma youth team player Cristian Volpato, who was sent through by a Giuseppe Ambrosino assist.
However, Italy had made nine changes from the team that beat Slovakia and it showed, as they became increasingly disjointed.
Florent Da Silva smashed in a ferocious right-foot strike off the inside of the far post after a cheap give-away and an even worse error from goalkeeper Gioele Zacchi gifted Loum Tchaouna to turn it around.
Volpato forced a desperate save one-on-one and Diego Coppola’s header thumped the upright on Volpato’s free kick.
France dominated as the game wore on, Tchaouna making it four goals in three games for this tournament from a tight angle into the roof of the net and Tayrik Arconte sent clear by a sensational Alan Virginius pass.
Italy are now almost certain to face England in the semi-final, while France will probably be up against Israel or Serbia.
France 4-1 Italy
Volpato 16 (I), Da Silva 24 (F), Tchaouna 37, 69 (F), Arconte 79 (F)