Key Takeaways:
- Kylian Mbappé missed France training ahead of the Italy fixture, escalating reports of friction with manager Zinedine Zidane
- France will face Italy in Milan today, requiring just a draw to secure a quarter-final spot in the UEFA Nations League
- France currently lead Group One on 10 points from four matches, three ahead of Italy and four ahead of Belgium, while Turkiye remain without a point
Strained Relations Between Zidane and Mbappé
Controversy around the relationship between France manager Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé has intensified after the Real Madrid forward was excluded from the squad for the upcoming match against Italy. Mbappé’s absence from training, reported by the French press, arrived at a highly sensitive juncture for Les Bleus, fuelling claims of a rift over his tactical deployment and overall morale in the dressing room.
Sources indicate that the roots of the discord stem from Zidane’s inaugural camp in charge, when he opted to use Mbappé on the left wing and installed Ousmane Dembélé as the central striker. This tactical shift was seen as diminishing the Madrid star’s influence in attack, particularly in light of Mbappé’s recent preference to lead the line as the main striker.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: There’s tension between Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé since he took over as coach.
Relations have been somewhat tense. Zidane’s goal is to improve the relationship over the coming days.
— @lequipe https://t.co/Buj7TF7Kdg
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) November 11, 2026
Friction Intensifies Over Tactical and Fitness Issues
Zidane had planned to rely on Mbappé for two crucial Nations League ties against Italy and Turkiye. However, a muscular complaint in Mbappé’s hamstring ruled him out of the Italy match, heightening speculation surrounding their relationship. Optimism still surrounds his potential involvement against Turkiye.
The debate regarding the Zidane-Mbappé dynamic gained momentum as additional details were aired, suggesting growing tension between the pair.
Television Insider Sheds Light on Dressing Room Dispute
Cyril Hanouna, presenter on W9 and an ardent Paris Saint-Germain supporter, gave further insight into the situation. Hanouna stated: “It seems that Kylian Mbappé, given the number of injuries, does not want to play. He is not at his best. And he does not care much about the Italy match because it is part of the UEFA Nations League and not an important match.”
He continued: “With all these injuries and his lack of physical readiness, he does not want to play. This is reliable information I have. Zinedine Zidane will not be as nice to him as Didier Deschamps was.”
“Kylian Mbappé acted like an arrogant star, saying: yes, there are a lot of injuries, I don’t know if I’ll play. So Zinedine Zidane replied to him: well, you know, you won’t play, thank you, you’ll stay where you are,” he added.
On his programme “Tout beau, tout neuf”, Hanouna elaborated: “Mbappé will deny these words, as you know, but I have inside information. This is what I am telling you, my dears. There were some squabbles with Didier Deschamps, but he turned a blind eye to them somewhat, and Zidane does not tolerate it. You have to know that things are very tense between Mbappé and the French national team. He does not get along with his teammates or with Zidane.”
Concluding his remarks, Hanouna said: “I tell you, well done Zinedine Zidane, you have courage. He will not leave the team. Zidane told him: you won’t play this match, but if you behave well, you’ll play on Sunday.”
France Set to Decide Their Nations League Fate in Milan
France head to Milan for Thursday evening’s encounter with Italy, aiming to confirm qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League. The meeting pits the two leading sides of Group One against each other, with top spot and progression at stake.
Zidane’s men currently sit atop the group standings with 10 points from four matches. Italy follow on 7 points, Belgium occupy third with 6, while Turkiye remain rooted at the bottom with 0 points.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| France | 4 | 10 |
| Italy | 4 | 7 |
| Belgium | 4 | 6 |
| Turkiye | 4 | 0 |
The previous encounter between France and Italy ended 1-1, with an error by Lucas Da Cunha allowing Italy to level the score. As it stands, a draw in Milan would secure France a place in the quarter-finals and guarantee a top-two finish, eliminating the need for calculations heading into the final round.
Meanwhile, Italy and Belgium will compete for the remaining qualification spot when they face each other in Brussels on Sunday. For France, a point at San Siro will suffice to avoid any last-minute drama in their quest for group supremacy.
