The France team lost on Thursday, November 12, in Milan against Italy in the Nations League. Dominated despite clear-cut chances, Les Bleus suffered their first defeat with Zinédine Zidane as coach.
The defeat weighs on the race for the top of Group A. To regain first place before the remainder of the Nations League, France would have to count on a slip-up by Italy, its tormentor on Thursday.
Lacking precision and control against the Italian attacks, they were unable to contain their opponent. The setback is the first since Zinédine Zidane’s arrival on the bench.
In the final half-hour, the France team remained toothless despite the coach’s many changes. This first setback with their new coach leaves lessons to be learned.
On Sunday, Les Bleus face Turkey, beaten five times in five matchdays. They will have to show seriousness to secure their qualification.
The score is not established unambiguously in the available accounts: one reports a 3-1, the other a 2-1. The match is, however, described as free-flowing, and France did not lack opportunities.