France’s Nations League fate rests on Zidane’s response to San Siro setback

Zinedine Zidane is considering significant changes to his France team before Sunday’s decisive UEFA Nations League meeting with Turkey in Bordeaux, after the 3-1 defeat by Italy exposed defensive weaknesses and a failure to cope with pressure.

France remain second in Group A and a draw would secure their place in the quarter-finals. However, defeat by Turkey could send them down to third and out of the competition, unless Belgium draw with Italy in the group’s other match.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Zidane is preparing to reshape his starting XI as he seeks a much-improved performance from a side that struggled in Milan. The result against Italy was more than a routine setback, with concerns emerging over France’s defensive organisation and their ability to build play under pressure.

Captain Kylian Mbappe is expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Italy. The Real Madrid forward trained on Friday and is in contention to lead the attack, with Ousmane Dembele absent.

Mbappe is likely to play as the central striker, having operated in a different role during the first meeting with Turkey. Michael Olise could start on the right, while Bradley Barcola is expected to retain his place on the left.

Desire Doue’s chances of starting appear limited. The young forward has not fully recovered from a fractured tooth suffered during the Italy match. Although he could be available depending on his condition, his fitness problems from the previous game make a starting role unlikely.

Midfield changes under consideration

Zidane is also reviewing his midfield after France found it difficult to play through Italy’s pressing game. Rayan Cherki did not have the expected influence in the advanced midfield role, while Adrien Rabiot made several errors that affected the team’s balance.

Warren Zaire-Emery could be given another opportunity in midfield. Zidane has regularly praised the player’s tactical flexibility and ability to operate in several positions, including right-back. However, the France manager prefers to use him in midfield, and the Turkey match could allow him to return to his favoured position.

Eduardo Camavinga is also pushing to come back into the starting XI after impressing during the previous international break. Zidane is expected to look to the Real Madrid player’s energy to help France regain control, win the ball more effectively and move quickly from defence into attack.

Upamecano absence adds to defensive decisions

Dayot Upamecano will miss the match after leaving the France camp for family reasons. The Bayern Munich defender conceded a penalty in the second half against Italy before his departure.

Ibrahima Konate and Leny Yoro are competing to replace him. Konate has greater international experience, but Yoro’s strong display against Belgium at Stade de France in early October gives him a genuine chance of earning Zidane’s trust.

France’s full-back positions are also under scrutiny after Malo Gusto struggled on the right against Italy before being replaced by Sael Kumbedi.

The Wolfsburg player, who joined the squad at the last moment, could make his first start on the right. Andy Diouf is another possible change, having replaced Adrien Truffert in the 77th minute of the previous match.

For Zidane, Sunday’s game is therefore about more than qualification. France must correct the problems exposed at San Siro and show that the defeat by Italy was not the start of a deeper crisis.