France must beat Turkey on Sunday to keep its quarter-final place

Under the lights of San Siro, France was beaten 3‑1 by Italy on Thursday evening, failing to secure its ticket to the Nations League quarter‑finals. Supporters were hoping for a turnaround, but the Blues, without their captain, saw their hopes fade.

The Blues remain in a good position ahead of the final match against Turkey on Sunday in Bordeaux at 20h45. It is Zinédine Zidane’s first defeat since taking charge of the team this summer.

Deprived of their captain and scorer Kylian Mbappé, the Tricolours fell 3‑1 to Italy in Milan on the fifth matchday of League A. This defeat temporarily strips France of its guaranteed ticket to the quarter‑finals.

Zidane keeps the Blues unbeaten before the decisive duel in Milan

Zidane reacts after the defeat

« We wanted to win tonight to put ourselves in the safe zone », said Zinédine Zidane after the match, adding that the final meeting must be won. He emphasized that even a victory tonight would not have eliminated the need to win the match against Turkey.

Mike Maignan’s teammates will therefore play their qualification on Sunday in Bordeaux against Turkey, after a 1‑0 first‑leg victory. Currently second, the Blues will reach the quarter‑finals if they do not lose to the Turks.

Zidane analyses the debacle against Italy, qualification stakes

A defeat could nevertheless be enough if Belgium does not beat Italy in Brussels at the same time. France can count on the likely return of Kylian Mbappé, who was absent at San Siro, a confirmation made by Zidane on Thursday evening.