- Zinédine Zidane admitted France lost their defensive organisation once Italy took control, but insisted there was no reason for concern
- The France coach defended his players’ approach and said creating chances remained a positive despite the defeat
- Roberto Mancini praised Francesco Pio Esposito after his latest goals for Italy and backed the striker to challenge the national team’s scoring records
Zidane Admits France Lost Their Shape
Zinédine Zidane focused on France’s defensive problems after the defeat to Italy, admitting his side struggled to stay within the structure of their game plan once the hosts gained the upper hand. The France coach felt his team had operated well while the score was level and while leading, but became increasingly disorganised after falling behind.
Speaking to TF1 after the match, Zidane said: “When we were struggling, we didn’t manage to react within the framework of the game plan that we put in place. We did it at 0-0 or at 1-0, but as soon as they took the lead, we were in disarray, notably defensively.”
Despite those problems, Zidane played down the wider significance of the result and described the setback as part of France’s development under his management.
“We won’t be worried. It is a part of football. It is better that these kinds of moments come now. It wasn’t a ‘non-match’ tonight, but there is something to improve upon,” he added.
🚨 Le bilan de Zinédine Zidane 🇫🇷 comme sélectionneur de l’équipe de France : 👇
✅ 3 VICTOIRES
🤝 1 NUL
❌ 1 DÉFAITEUn mot pour décrire le match de ce soir ? 🤔 https://t.co/gocTlydHml
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) November 12, 2026
Zidane Rejects Suggestions France Lacked Courage
Zidane returned to the same theme during his post-match press conference, pointing to a clear difference between France’s performance in possession and their work without the ball. He felt his team started well and controlled possession effectively before becoming more vulnerable during the second half.
“We started well, and we were good in possession, but in the second half we ran into difficulties, especially defensively,” Zidane said.
Asked whether France had lacked courage after Italy changed the direction of the game, the former Real Madrid coach rejected that interpretation.
“No, quite the opposite. We stayed in the game, we did well in possession, especially in the first half, but in the second half we caved in a bit, especially after 2-1. It’s part of the process.”
Chance Creation Leaves Zidane Encouraged
Zidane also refused to judge France’s attacking performance solely on the final result. He highlighted the number of situations his side managed to create and said his greater concern was understanding why France failed to maintain the same level when they did not have possession.
“The most important thing is creating chances,” he said.
“Hitting the post had an impact, but I’m not disappointed. I would have been if we hadn’t created good possession. What we need to analyse is why we weren’t at the right level off the ball.”
Zidane Hopeful Mbappe Will Return Against Turkey
France were without Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in Milan, but Zidane did not use their absences as an explanation for the defeat. Instead, he stressed that the players selected had approached the match with the right mentality before France became less effective after the interval.
“I think all the players were focused. As I said, we were a little less focused and less effective in the second half,” Zidane said.
He also offered an encouraging update on Mbappe, revealing that the decision to leave him out against Italy was precautionary and that the striker could return for France’s next match.
“I hope Mbappe can play against Turkey. That is the plan, we decided not to risk him tonight because he had a little problem.”
Mancini Backs Pio Esposito to Keep Scoring for Italy
Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, reserved particular praise for Francesco Pio Esposito following another productive night for the Italy striker. Esposito has made an immediate impact at international level, and Mancini believes his scoring record gives him the potential to pursue some of the biggest marks in Italian football.
“Let’s hope he scores a lot more goals,” Mancini said when asked about the forward’s progress.
The Italy coach then referenced Gigi Riva’s long-standing national team record, suggesting Esposito has the qualities to build a substantial international tally if he maintains his current trajectory.
“Gigi Riva has been up there on 35 for a lifetime. Let’s hope someone surpasses him. We need goals from Pio and the others too, but he can score a lot.”
Mancini Laughs Off Esposito Penalty Mix-Up
Mancini also explained the unusual penalty situation involving Francesco Pio Esposito and his older brother Sebastiano. Pio was the designated first-choice taker, but Sebastiano stepped forward instead and failed to convert.
The decision had not come from the coaching staff, with Mancini joking afterwards that the brothers had settled the matter between themselves.
“Pio is first choice and then Sebastiano. It was a family thing,” Mancini said with a laugh.
The episode did little to overshadow Mancini’s praise for the younger Esposito, with the Italy coach making clear that he views the striker as an increasingly important source of goals for the national team.
