Zidane: ‘Italy played better in France, but they won tonight’

MILAN - NOVEMBER 12: Zinedine Zidane, Head Coach of France, looks on before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Zinedine Zidane feels Italy ‘played better in Paris, but they won this evening’ when inflicting his first defeat as France coach, and defends Chelsea’s Malo Gusto from criticism.

Les Bleus had got off to the ideal start at San Siro when Michael Olise pounced on a Gianluigi Donnarumma howler playing out from the back.

Francesco Pio Esposito equalised, but they felt that when Sebastiano Esposito blazed a penalty wide, it would be a turning point in the match.

Instead, the Azzurri got back on their feet quickly, winning 3-1 with Davide Frattesi and another penalty, this time converted by Pio Esposito.

Zidane frustrated by France defeat

“We had a good initial approach and held the ball well, but after the break we lost our way, especially defensively,” confessed Zidane in his press conference.

This was an unusual situation, as before tonight France had not scored in the first half in any of their last nine matches.

“We stayed in the game, did good things in possession, but we fell away in the second half, especially after going 2-1 down. It is part of the process.”

France were decimated by injuries, missing Inter’s Marcus Thuram, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, Roma midfielder Manu Koné, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Aurelien Tchouameni, William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Maghnes Akliouche and Esteban Lepaul.

Malo Gusto had terrible problems at right-back dealing with Nicolò Cambiaghi first, then Federico Dimarco.

“Your job is to analyse what you need to analyse, but my focus is on recharging the batteries for the next game,” replied Zidane to questions about the Chelsea defender.

“We are all united, we didn’t defend well in general as a team and need to improve. I won’t change players over one game. Malo Gusto gave away a penalty, but it can happen.”

Olise scored the opener, but then made little impact as the match wore on at San Siro.

“You cannot always play at the top level for 90 minutes. Olise had some good performances, he wasn’t the only one who fell away in the second half, the whole team did.

“We wanted to win the game tonight to ensure we had first place on Sunday, now we must win the final match against Turkiye, but that was the objective anyway regardless of this evening’s result.”

Italy are the only team who Zidane has been unable to defeat as France coach, earning a 1-1 draw in Paris and this 3-1 victory.

“The most important thing is to create chances, and we did hit the woodwork twice. I am not disappointed, I would’ve been if we had not had such good possession play. What we need to analyse is that we weren’t at the right level off the ball.

“I think Italy had a similar performance to in Paris defensively, which is what they do best. I must admit, I thought they played better with the ball at their feet in the first game, but they won tonight and that’s all.”

Mbappé was not even on the bench this evening, but could he recover in time for the final group game with Turkiye on Sunday?

“We hope so, that is the plan and why he has not gone back home. We just decided not to risk it tonight over a slight problem.”