Zidane backs France’s performance after Italy deny victory on Stade de France return

France manager Zinedine Zidane said his side deserved more than a 1-1 draw with Italy on his return to the Stade de France.

The result fell short of the occasion expected by the home supporters, with France controlling much of the match but unable to secure victory. The draw was Zidane’s first setback in terms of results since taking charge of the national team.

Speaking to TF1 after the game, Zidane said: “I am very disappointed on behalf of the players because we deserved a better result. We had chances to win the match, but that is football.

“I am very proud of the team. Their performance was good, their pressure on the opposition was excellent and they dealt with individual situations perfectly.”

France’s display improved after half-time, although the team had struggled to turn its possession into attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes.

“We had the ball in the first half, but our performance was a little flat,” Zidane said. “We tried to correct that at half-time. Possession is important, but if we want to hurt the opposition we have to use the spaces, and we managed to do that at the start of the second half.”

Italy adopted a cautious approach and looked to counter-attack, but Zidane felt France remained in control for most of the contest.

“Italy played defensively and relied on counter-attacks, but we kept our balance and were not in much danger, apart from the final minutes,” he said in comments reported by French website Foot Mercato.

France were reduced to 10 players late in the game, creating the possibility that Italy could go on to win despite having been under pressure for long periods.

“We gave everything and the players were excellent, which is encouraging,” Zidane said. “We did not win, but now we have to rest. With 10 players at the end, we could have conceded a second goal, even though there had not really been a contest throughout the match.”

Despite Italy’s equaliser, Zidane was satisfied with the way his players followed the tactical plan, particularly their pressing and discipline.

“I am very satisfied,” he added. “I told the players that we had not achieved the result we wanted, but they could be proud of their performance. These are things we prepared for and know well. When we make plans and see the players execute them on the pitch, I can only be satisfied.”

Zidane also acknowledged the reception he received from the home crowd, saying he had hoped to mark his first home match as France manager with a win.

“Yes, it affected me,” he said. “We wanted to give a victory to the whole stadium and the whole nation, but that did not happen. We will rest, prepare for our fourth match and try to win it.”

France’s next game is against Belgium at the Stade de France on Monday.