France’s first defeat under Zinedine Zidane raises defensive concerns after Italy loss

France suffered their first defeat since Zinedine Zidane became manager as Italy claimed a 3-1 victory at San Siro in the Nations League on Thursday.

The result exposed several weaknesses for Zidane to address, particularly after France lost their control of the match in the second half.

Despite being without several key players, including Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Jules Kounde, France started the match with confidence. Michael Olise put them ahead after taking advantage of an error by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

France were unable to protect their lead, however, and conceded three goals after the interval as their performance deteriorated.

The defeat has not decisively damaged France’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, but they must secure their qualification when they face Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday.

Zidane is not currently under pressure over his position, yet the loss in Milan has prompted considerable scrutiny from the French and European media.

French media focus on second-half collapse

French newspapers highlighted the contrast between France’s composed first-half display and their complete loss of balance after the break.

L’Equipe’s digital edition described the match as Zidane’s “first setback”, while its print version focused on the dramatic change in performance, calling it a “French collapse” after half-time.

The newspaper paid particular attention to France’s defence, with both full-backs criticised for continuing to produce disappointing performances. Its main headline, “Submerged… drowned”, referred both to the heavy rain in Milan and to France’s collapse during the second half.

Le Parisien also questioned France’s lack of defensive discipline and resilience, as well as the international inexperience of Zidane’s young squad. It described some members of the team as still “far too fragile” at this level.

The paper placed a picture of Zidane on its front page alongside the headline: “First setback in the Zidane era.”

European reaction varies

Italian coverage celebrated the victory strongly, particularly after Italy missed the last three editions of the World Cup. The country’s media viewed the result as evidence that the team’s rebuilding process had begun, while praising Roberto Mancini as the “ideal man” to lead that phase.

German outlets were less concerned about France’s position. Sky Sport concentrated on Zidane’s reassuring comments after the match, while noting that his side still had “room for improvement”. Bild gave limited analysis to the defeat and mainly noted that it was Zidane’s first loss as France manager.

In England, most attention was devoted to Harry Kane’s outstanding display and his record-breaking achievement with the Three Lions. The France-Italy match received little coverage beyond the fact that it marked Zidane’s first defeat with Les Bleus.

Spanish newspapers led with Spain’s victory over the Czech Republic, although AS also reported on France’s loss. Its website gave the match greater prominence, describing the team’s reliance on Mbappe as “big trouble without Mbappe”.

The report criticised France’s lack of attacking effectiveness alongside their defensive errors, singling out Malo Gusto for a “disastrous match” that severely tested Zidane’s patience.

AS took a more pessimistic view than other European media, saying France’s chances of finishing top of the group were “seriously threatened” and that victory over Turkey was essential to avoid real “drama” in the next stage.