France’s 3-1 defeat by Italy in the Nations League on Thursday left more than a disappointing result for Zinedine Zidane and his players, with frustration inside the squad compounded by unexpected logistical problems during a difficult night in Milan.
The French camp has avoided describing the loss as a crisis, but the mood at San Siro reflected the significance of France’s first defeat since Zidane took charge.
According to French broadcaster RMC, several players appeared visibly upset after the final whistle. Some left the dressing room with their heads down, while Malo Gusto was particularly affected by his performance.
Rayan Cherki also looked angry, continuing tensions that had surfaced during the match. He was involved in a misunderstanding with team-mate Bradley Barcola towards the end of the first half, when Italy had begun to regain control after equalising.
France now face Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, 15 November 2026, knowing a draw will be enough to secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Upamecano absent and concern over Doue
Zidane will be without Dayot Upamecano for the match after the defender was given permission to return to Munich for “personal reasons”.
Although the Bayern Munich player was not at his best against Italy, his unexpected departure adds to a lengthy list of absences affecting the France squad.
Before the match, Zidane described the number of unavailable players as “terrible for a manager”, underlining the difficulties he faced in preparing for Italy.
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 left one of Doue’s teeth loose.
Doue was angry that Frattesi was not booked for the incident, while France’s medical staff treated the injury after the match. The team doctor said the player was well, confirming that the tooth had been “secured”. Doue was due to see a dentist around midday on Friday.
Zidane defends his players
France hope to bring Kylian Mbappe back into the attack against Turkey. The captain was left out of the matchday squad because of a thigh problem but remained on the bench against Italy. Zidane expressed optimism that the Real Madrid forward could feature next time.
At his post-match news conference, Zidane avoided publicly criticising his players and instead emphasised the positive aspects of their performance. He specifically defended Gusto, declined to criticise the full-backs and highlighted Michael Olise’s contribution.
Zidane rejected suggestions that France had lacked a leader on the pitch or failed to show sufficient strength and character.
The players adopted a similar approach. Adrien Rabiot and Luca da Cunha both said the defeat should be treated as part of the learning process, with attention quickly turning to Turkey.
Rabiot said the number of young players selected by Zidane, many with limited international experience, helped explain some of what happened against Italy.
France’s intention is to avoid an excessive reaction and focus instead on analysing the mistakes. Zidane’s priorities include addressing defensive vulnerability and the gradual decline in the team’s collective organisation.
Travel issues add to tension
The problems surrounding the trip to Italy were not limited to the pitch. Arrangements for players’ families to travel by air caused frustration among several members of the squad.
A logistical meeting was held within the French Football Federation on Sunday to ensure preparations were in place and prevent a repeat of mistakes made during the previous camp. However, some of those difficulties resurfaced during the Milan trip.
The report said members of the coaching staff again expressed dissatisfaction with team manager Laurent Georges. Their concerns reached him, increasing tensions within the camp.
Equipment officer Bastian Jeiray also remains on sick leave.
