Zidane Home Coaching Debut
France Draws 1-1 With Italy in Zinedine Zidane’s Home Coaching Debut
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Zidane said he was disappointed not to win but praised France’s performance: “We had chances to kill the game off … But it was encouraging. Honestly, I'm proud of how we played.”
2
The welcome for Zidane included fans chanting “Zizou,” a banner reading “Bienvenue Chez Toi” (“Welcome Home”), and a train-station announcement welcoming supporters to his first game in charge.
3
France were without captain Kylian Mbappé, who had returned to his club after a knee injury sustained while scoring the winner against Türkiye.
4
Italy had chances before the break: Moise Kean shot straight at Mike Maignan from close range, and Davide Frattesi’s effort after a long throw was deflected wide.
France drew 1-1 with Italy on Friday in Zinedine Zidane's first home match as national coach, denying him a third straight Nations League win. Michael Olise's free kick put France ahead in the 55th minute, but Alessandro Bastoni equalized after Italy exploited a French defensive error. Dayot Upamecano was sent off late as France pushed for a winner, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made key saves to secure a point for the visitors.
The sold-out Stade de France gave Zidane a rousing welcome with chants of "Zizou" and banners reading "Bienvenue Chez Toi" ("Welcome Home"). Zidane said he was disappointed not to win but praised his team's effort: "We had chances to kill the game off but we didn't. But it was encouraging. Honestly, I'm proud of how we played." France stayed top of Group A1 with seven points, while Belgium has six and Italy four.
Olise's Free Kick Gives Zidane Perfect Start
Michael Olise broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a stunning free kick that curled over the crossbar and into the top corner. The goal came after France dominated early possession and created several chances. Italy, however, had threatened before halftime. Moise Kean shot straight at Mike Maignan from close range in the ninth minute, and a 41st-minute Kean goal was ruled out for offside.
Bastoni Capitalizes on French Defensive Lapse
Italy equalized just 13 minutes later when Alessandro Bastoni scored after an intercepted Adrien Rabiot pass. The defensive mistake handed Italy an opportunity the visitors exploited immediately. Donnarumma then took center stage for Italy's defense, making critical saves against Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Eduardo Camavinga as France pressed for a late winner.
Zidane's Reception Marks Historic Homecoming
Zidane's return to Stade de France as head coach held deep meaning—he scored two iconic goals there in the 1998 World Cup final. The crowd's warmth extended beyond chants and banners. Train station announcements welcomed supporters to his first game in charge, turning the match into a celebration of his legendary status. Paramount Sports noted the emotional weight of Zidane facing Italy, his opponent in the 2006 World Cup final.
Mbappé Absent as France Eyes Belgium Next
France played without captain Kylian Mbappé, who returned to Real Madrid after sustaining a knee injury while scoring against Türkiye. Dayot Upamecano's 85th-minute red card means he will miss France's next Nations League fixture. Despite the draw, France leads Group A1 with seven points from three matches under Zidane, who has won two and drawn one since taking over. Belgium sits second with six points after defeating Türkiye 3-0.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
101
Articles
189
Reach
290
A
AnonymousAuthor
