Zidane analyses the debacle against Italy, qualification stakes

France's defeat to Italy leaves the Bleus out of the direct qualification spot in the Nations League and forces them to win their final confrontation against Turkey on Sunday to secure their qualification after a match where the team lost its way in the second half.

First half and start of the second half

Zidane said that the France team had completely lost its way in the second half after a good start. He confirmed that the Bleus had indeed started the match well. He highlighted that the first half had been very good in ball possession. He added that the team had created several chances.

The start of the second half was also good, before the players encountered problems. According to Zidane, the Bleus were effective with the ball but less efficient defensively. Italian coach Roberto Mancini described Italy's victory as a “victory of courage”. Zidane retorted that France lacked nothing and had stayed in its own game.

Defensive shortcomings and individual performances

He noted that the team was less effective defensively, particularly in the press. He acknowledged that the Bleus had lost duels and were weaker without the ball. However, he asserted that, with the ball, they had been very good. He recalled that the players had carried out fine actions, especially during the first half.

In the second half, the team fell apart a bit more. After the second goal conceded, the players stepped out of their usual framework. Zidane specified that this was part of the learning process.

He concluded that they needed to rest, analyze the match and prepare for the next showdown on Sunday. When asked what bothered him most, he ruled out any change of the right‑back position. He reminded that his role was to analyze the performance. He indicated that the team would focus on recovery.

He repeated that the Bleus were a bit less good defensively. He added that they should not question their playing principles because of the defeat.

France's rise in Italy despite Mbappé's absence

He asserted that he did not think anything needed to be changed, all of it being part of the learning process. Michael Olise had a very good first gathering and an excellent start, before disappearing in the second half. Zidane reminded that you cannot always play the full 90 minutes at the same level. He highlighted that Olise had scored many goals in the two previous gatherings and had been very good.

He clarified that he would not label Olise's performance as bad tonight. He noted that the drop in collective performance inevitably affected individual performances.

Consequences and outlook

The defeat also caused France to lose the top spot in its Nations League group. Victory will be mandatory against Turkey on Sunday. Zidane said he was not worried, as this was expected.

He reminded that the goal was to win to qualify directly. He admitted that this goal would not be achieved. He emphasized that they will therefore need to win the final match. He added that, even with a victory tonight, the requirement to win the next one would remain.

He acknowledged that the evening had been a bit less successful. He said they will analyze and rest to prepare for the remaining final match. He reminded of the need to create chances, even though conversion remains crucial.

Regarding the first gathering, he expressed his disappointment with the chance‑to‑goal ratio. He added that they were not satisfied despite ball possession. Tonight, they still generated many dangerous chances. They hit the post without managing to score.

He stated that the most important thing was to create chances. He emphasized that, when they exist, you must try to convert them. He specified that he was not disappointed with this aspect, but would have been more disappointed without possession or chances.

He admitted that the team was clearly below par when it was without the ball. He mentioned numerous absences during the match. He indicated that several key players were missing.

When asked about a possible captain's absence when Italy took the lead, he replied that everyone was focused. He concluded that the main problem was a reduced efficiency in several areas. He reminded that, defensively, the Bleus struggled in the second part of the match.