France regroup after Italy defeat as Zidane tackles injuries and off-field tensions

France’s 3-1 defeat by Italy in the Nations League has left Zinedine Zidane managing frustration within his squad, fresh injury concerns and logistical problems before Sunday’s decisive meeting with Turkey in Bordeaux.

The loss at San Siro was France’s first since Zidane took charge. Although the players and coaching staff have avoided describing it as a crisis, the mood around the stadium after Thursday’s match reflected their disappointment.

According to French network RMC, several players left the dressing room with their heads down. Malo Gusto appeared particularly affected by his performance, while Rayan Cherki was visibly angry after a match that included a misunderstanding with Bradley Barcola towards the end of the first half.

That incident came as Italy began to regain control after drawing level. France must now quickly turn their attention to Turkey, with a draw enough to secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

Upamecano absent and Doue injury assessed

France will be without Dayot Upamecano, who has been given permission to return to Munich for “personal reasons”.

The Bayern Munich defender had not been at his best against Italy, but his unexpected departure adds to a lengthy list of absentees facing Zidane. Before the match, the France manager described the number of withdrawals as “terrible for a coach”.

There is also concern over Desire Doue after the Paris Saint-Germain forward was struck in the mouth by an elbow from Davide Frattesi. The impact caused bleeding and loosened one of Doue’s teeth.

Doue was angry that Frattesi received no card for the incident. France’s medical team treated him after the match and said his condition was good. The injured tooth had been “stabilised”, with a dental examination scheduled for around midday on Friday.

France hope to have Kylian Mbappe back in attack against Turkey. The captain was left out of the squad for the match because of a thigh problem but remained on the bench in Milan. Zidane has expressed optimism that the Real Madrid forward could feature next time.

Zidane defends his players

Zidane did not criticise his players publicly at his post-match news conference, instead highlighting the positive aspects of their performance. He specifically backed Gusto and declined to join criticism of the full-backs, while also pointing to the encouraging elements of Michael Olise’s display.

The manager rejected suggestions that France had lacked a leader on the pitch or failed to show sufficient strength and character. Adrien Rabiot and Luca da Cunha adopted a similar approach, saying the defeat should be treated as part of the learning process and that the team must focus on the next game.

Rabiot said Zidane had used many young players with limited international experience, adding that football could explain some of what happened against Italy.

France’s priority is to analyse the errors without overreacting or reconsidering everything after one defeat. Zidane’s main concerns are the defensive vulnerability shown during parts of the match and the gradual loss of collective structure.

The team’s preparations have also been affected by travel complications involving players’ families. A logistical meeting was held at the French Football Federation on Sunday to prevent a repeat of problems from the previous camp, but difficulties reappeared during the Milan trip.

Some members of the coaching staff again expressed dissatisfaction with team director Laurent Jorge, a view that reached him and increased tensions. Equipment manager Bastian Jirais remains on sick leave.