A tense atmosphere in the France camp on the eve of the clash with Italy at San Siro, a match valid for the UEFA Nations League. The relationship between coach Zinedine Zidane and captain Kylian Mbappé is reportedly going through a delicate period, due to tactical disagreements, tensions in the dressing room and the physical condition of the Real Madrid star.
According to reports from Italian media, the dissatisfaction began during the previous training camp, when Zidane said he wanted to deploy Mbappé on the left wing, with Ousmane Dembélé in the centre. The striker reportedly learned of this decision through television and did not take it well. However, the coach has tried to calm the situation by confirming that the captain will return to his natural position as a centre-forward.
The tensions are also linked to the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, where clashes between Mbappé and several other players, including Dembélé, have been reported. Meanwhile, another concern is the French player’s physical condition. He missed the latest training session and underwent treatment from physiotherapists due to knee problems.
With Dembélé and Marcus Thuram out with injuries, France have limited attacking alternatives. However, Mbappé is expected to start against Italy, with a personal goal: to score for the first time against the “Azzurri”, as he has yet to find the net against them in his 67 goals for France.