Zidane faces uncertainties ahead of Italy clash

France national team coach Zinédine Zidane faces several uncertainties regarding his starting eleven ahead of the trip to Italy for the UEFA Nations League clash.

On the eve of a difficult away match against the Azzurri, scheduled for San Siro on Thursday at 8:45 pm, Zidane has to deal with numerous absences, including Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Les Blues already held their second training session of the week on Tuesday evening without Marcus Thuram. The Inter Milan striker is suffering from a right hamstring injury. 

He underwent tests Tuesday morning, which revealed nothing. But, as a precaution, the coaching staff preferred to leave the forward, who has been in excellent form in recent weeks, available to his club.

Zidane then handed the first call-up to Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. 

France are also without Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu due to a hamstring problem. Zidane will have to juggle a series of absences as Tchouaméni, who arrived on Monday hampered by groin pain, tried to train with his teammates on Tuesday evening but had to stop mid-session due to severe pain in his right adductor.

 His withdrawal was then confirmed on Tuesday, and he will also return to Madrid on Wednesday and will not be replaced in the French squad.

France and Italy drew 1-1 in the first leg in early October. It is therefore expected to be an intense encounter. “Zizou” will likely rely on his key players, particularly those who gave him a winning start in Turkey.

Jérémy Jacquet will partner Dayot Upamecano in central defense, as the Liverpool defender was impressive during the first international break.

Zidane will have a good headache as Ibrahima Konaté is also in good form with Real Madrid. 

Zidane could start Lucas Da Cunha in the midfield. He is expected to occupy the holding role, partnering again with Rayan Cherki in a box-to-box role.

Zidane’s other option in the middle of the park is Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Up front, Zizou can field Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, and Michael Olis, forming an exceptionally powerful trio this autumn of 2026.

To protect the San Siro pitch, which has seen heavy use in recent weeks, the French national team trained Wednesday morning at Clairefontaine before traveling to Milan.