Zidane: Not Satisfied with France's Draw Against Italy

French national team coach Zinedine Zidane expressed satisfaction “with the content, not the result” following a 1-1 draw against Italy in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France in Paris.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Zidane said: “I am satisfied with the content, but not with the result. We deserved better, and we had a chance to score a second goal. I am proud of my players and what they delivered. We created a decent number of chances, and (Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi) Donnarumma was excellent, making two or three exceptional saves. That’s part of the game, so we must continue working; this was only our third match.”

This was Zidane’s first match on French soil since his appointment as national team coach, succeeding Didier Deschane, after securing two away victories in the Nations League against Turkey (1-0) and Belgium (1-0).

The coach added: “We dominated possession in the first half, but lacked attacking thrust from the midfielders in the final 30 meters. However, we improved in the second half. Our attacking play was good in the first half and better in the second. We wanted to win for our fans, who supported us. I was moved and delighted to return to the Stade de France.”

When asked about Ousmane Dembélé’s performance, which appeared somewhat disappointing, Zidane clarified that he found it satisfactory. He said: “Ousmane remains Ousmane, and I am satisfied with him. He is everywhere on the pitch and often loses his position. I don’t have much to blame him for; he created a decent number of chances for himself.”

France found themselves in a difficult position against Italy, controlling the flow of the game without posing a genuine threat until they turned to their right flank, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, who broke the deadlock with a moment of brilliance following a direct free-kick to give the “Roosters” the lead (55th minute). However, Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni equalized with a left-footed shot from outside the box (68th minute).

France finished the match with ten players after Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 85th minute for receiving his second yellow card.

In the same group, Belgium regained their balance with a convincing 3-0 victory over hosts Turkey, who suffered their third consecutive defeat.