Ousmane Dembele criticised after France draw with Italy

Ousmane Dembele faced heavy criticism from the French media after failing to make an impact in France’s 1-1 draw with Italy, having been asked to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe.

Zinedine Zidane selected the Paris Saint-Germain forward as a central striker, but Dembele struggled to threaten the Italian defence and lacked precision in the final third. His clearest opportunity came after the break, when Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his effort.

The performance was particularly scrutinised because of the contrast between Dembele’s displays for Paris Saint-Germain and his recent impact with France. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner was expected to lead the attack in Mbappe’s absence, but instead produced a performance that French outlets considered well below his usual standards.

According to Foot Mercato, L’Equipe gave Dembele a rating of 3 out of 10, while Le Parisien awarded him 4 out of 10. The FM website was more generous, giving him 5 out of 10, although it also said more had been expected from a player of his ability.

French coverage focused on Dembele’s lack of sharpness and limited influence, despite his attempts to press Italy. The criticism reflected the expectations surrounding him after his Ballon d’Or success and the belief that he should now be one of the leading attacking figures of France’s next generation.

Direct criticism of Dembele

Speaking on La Chaine L’Equipe, Dave Appadoo delivered a pointed assessment of the forward’s performance.

“Good evening, Ousmane. I have two things to say to you. You are the Ballon d’Or winner, but that was a Ballon d’Or at Paris. There is a very big difference between what you produce with Paris and what you continue not to produce with the France team,” he said.

“We feel that you are unable to impose yourself on this team. The circumstances were ideal with Kylian absent, especially because Zidane put you in your best position, as a centre-forward. You went back to your old technical errors and your inability to get your shots between the posts. Everyone expects a lot from you, and now it is your turn, Ousmane.”

The comments have revived the debate over why Dembele’s influence appears to differ so significantly between Paris Saint-Germain and France. He has found it difficult to reproduce his club form when wearing the national team shirt.

Zidane, however, declined to direct severe criticism at his player after the match. The France manager said he did not have much to reproach Dembele for, while acknowledging that the forward could have performed better.

Dembele will have an immediate opportunity to respond when France face Belgium on Monday. He will do so under increased pressure to show that his disappointing display against Italy does not represent his level with the national team under Zidane.