Zinedine Zidane rewards France squad with rest day after Belgium victory

Zinedine Zidane has given his France players a day off after their important 1-0 away win against Belgium in the Nations League on Monday.

France secured victory with a late goal from substitute Michael Olise, who struck in the 88th minute. The goal prompted an animated celebration from Zidane on the touchline as his side claimed a second successive win in the competition.

The result leaves France top of their group with six points. They began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Turkey before repeating the scoreline against Belgium.

Zidane’s decision to allow the squad a break comes three days before France host Italy at Stade de France on Friday in the third round of the Nations League.

According to Foot Mercato, the France manager believes his players have earned the rest after making it two wins from two matches. The break will come before preparations resume for the meeting with Italy, who will visit the Stade de France in the next fixture.

France will face Belgium again in the fourth round of the competition on 5 October.