Why Mbappe is not playing for France against Italy

KOCAELI, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 25: Kylian Mbappe of France warms up before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and France at Kocaeli Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Kocaeli, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)

Italy are in Nations League action away against France on Friday evening and will have to be at their best to stop a fearsome French attack, even if the hosts will be without starman Kylian Mbappe. 

Why Mbappe is not involved in France vs. Italy

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Mbappe is not part of the France squad to take on Italy at the Stade de France on Friday evening after withdrawing from the squad on Saturday, September 26 with a knee injury. 

The French federation confirmed in a statement that Mbappe felt pain in his knee after taking a 54th-minute shot in his country’s recent 1-0 victory away against Turkey. 

Mbappe left the France squad on Saturday evening and is now back under the supervision of club doctors at Real Madrid. Initial reports suggest that he is expected to return soon after the international break. He was not involved for France’s 1-0 win away against Belgium on Monday either. 

In his absence, it looks as though Zinedine Zidane will name a front three that still packs plenty of creative brilliance with Michael Olise on the right, Ousmane Dembele through the middle and Desier Doue on the left. 

Italy look set to try and combat that threat with a back four of Michael Kayode, either Giorgio Scalvini or Gianluca Scamacca, Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori. 

• Read more: 3 remaining Italy line-up doubts as Kean tipped for starting opportunity vs. France