Zinedine Zidane Confident in France’s Prospects Against Italy Despite Mbappé’s Absence
France coach Zinedine Zidane expressed confidence ahead of his team’s Nations League match against Italy on Thursday, despite the notable absence of star player Kylian Mbappé due to a hamstring issue. The match is set to kick off at San Siro in Milan at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET).
Currently, France leads Group A1 with 10 points, followed by Italy at seven points and Belgium with six. The top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals, making this clash crucial. Zidane believes France is in a strong position, especially with Italy and Belgium set to face off in Brussels for the final match, while France will host last-placed Turkiye.
Speaking in a press conference, Zidane noted, “Mbappé will not be there. He felt some pain, and we generally try to avoid risks for the players. However, we hope to have him back on Sunday.” He confirmed that players Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni also left the training camp due to fitness concerns but appreciated their willingness to come despite not being fully fit.
Zidane highlighted that the objective remains to select the best possible starting lineup, expressing his confidence in the squad despite the absentees. “We will be able to field a competitive team,” he added.
With a series of injuries affecting the attacking roster, the coach has been adapting players to different positions. He mentioned Inter’s Andy Diouf, who will play as a left-back for the match, diverging from his usual position. Zidane also confirmed that Warren Zaire Emery would be utilized in midfield.
Having only dropped points once since taking charge of France, which occurred during a 1-1 draw against Italy, Zidane recognized the tactical lessons gained during his time at Juventus under coach Marcello Lippi. “Lippi taught me so much on a tactical level,” Zidane reflected. He mentioned the intriguing possibility of coaching Juventus in the future, saying, “I’d love one day to be at Juventus, why not, if I continue working as a coach?”
As France prepares for a crucial match against Italy, Zidane’s approach showcases his tactical acumen and readiness to adapt, ensuring that his team remains competitive despite the challenges ahead.
