Zinedine Zidane will take charge of France for the first time on home soil when Les Bleus face historic rivals Italy, with captain and leading scorer Kylian Mbappe absent through injury.
The French coaching staff have confirmed the starting line-up for the eagerly anticipated match, which represents Zidane’s first home fixture since beginning his tenure. France have made a perfect start under the former midfielder, recording consecutive 1-0 away victories against Turkey and Belgium.
The match against Italy will provide Zidane with his first major test in front of a home crowd. His side will rely on an attack led by Ousmane Dembele, with Michael Olise and Desire Doue completing a youthful front three built around pace and technical ability.
Adrien Rabiot is expected to provide balance in midfield alongside the creative Rayan Cherki, while France have opted for a starting XI that underlines Zidane’s willingness to trust emerging players.
The confirmed France line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Pierre Kalulu, Jeremy Jacquet, Dayot Upamecano, Quentin Truffert
Midfielders: Rayan Cherki, Da Cunha, Adrien Rabiot
Forwards: Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue
Mbappe’s withdrawal from the current international camp is a significant setback at the beginning of Zidane’s reign. His absence affects France’s attacking threat, given the decisive goalscoring role he normally provides, but it also deprives supporters of a highly anticipated first meeting between Zidane and the country’s leading star on the pitch at Stade de France.
France announced the team on social media ahead of the fixture, confirming that kick-off will be at 20:45, with the match broadcast by TF1.