Mbappé in squad but out as Zidane takes first France defeat in Milan

Kylian Mbappé was in France’s travelling party in Milan but not in its attack, and the difference showed on the scoreboard: Les Bleus lost 1-3 to Roberto Mancini’s Italy on Thursday, Zinedine Zidane’s first defeat as head coach. Zidane said afterwards that he expects Mbappé, the Real Madrid forward, back next Tuesday.

Squad yes, start no

Yahoo Sports reported Mbappé had been included in the matchday squad for Thursday evening’s game at San Siro against Italy despite injury concerns. AS USA said the France captain travelled to Milan with the squad, while Zidane decided against taking any chances. The Daily Jagran reported a hamstring issue had ruled him out, quoting Zidane as saying Mbappé could return by Sunday. Athlon Sports put the same day status even flatter: Mbappé was unavailable for France’s UEFA Nations League match against Italy. Bolavip US said the absence raised questions ahead of Matchday 5, and News18 framed the tie as France’s bid to strengthen their grip on top spot in Group A1.

Early lead gone by the break

France made the right start. Michael Olise profited from a Gianluigi Donnarumma error to put the visitors ahead inside 10 minutes. Italy responded through Esposito and Davide Frattesi either side of half-time, and MARCA reported the final score as 1-3.

The scorers named in these match reports were Olise for France, and Esposito plus Davide Frattesi for Italy; the third Italian goal is not named, though MARCA supplies the 1-3 score. Zidane did not hide from the result. His own assessment was blunt — “We struggled in the second half, especially in defense.” MARCA reported the defeat marked his first in charge of France and that he put his faith in Mbappé, and News18 framed it as a first defeat in Mbappé’s absence.

Faith in Mbappé, doubts elsewhere

French and Spanish coverage split. SO FOOT reported Zidane is counting on Mbappé, and MARCA said he did not back down after the defeat.

That produced two different tests for Mbappé: convincing a manager whom SO FOOT says is relying on him, and weathering the Madrid questioning collected by Foot Mercato, which reported two Madrid-based journalists criticizing him. Sport.fr carried Hanouna’s line on the France captain, « Il n’a pas envie de jouer ». World Soccer Talk said the absence attracted extra attention because reports suggest Mbappé’s relationship with the new France manager may not be as smooth as the one he had under Didier.

Return date before Turkey

France’s next listed assignment in the match reports was Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday. Sportstar reported Zidane expected Mbappé back next Tuesday for the Turkey showdown after Thursday’s loss to Italy. The Daily Jagran’s earlier “by Sunday” hint sat one day ahead of Sportstar’s “next Tuesday” line; both were attributed to Zidane.

At club level, the only concrete status given was Real Madrid forward and France captain. No minutes, no substitute appearance and no training update beyond the injury labels were in these reports. The dated items to watch were Sunday for the Bordeaux trip and Tuesday for Zidane’s return date.

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Arjun Nair

Arjun Nair writes about technology, artificial intelligence, gadgets, apps and emerging digital trends. He focuses on explaining new technologies in a simple, practical way and helping readers understand how they could affect everyday life.

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