Deschamps defends France ahead of Italy clash | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps reassures the critics of his France side ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League head-to-head with Italy. ‘We know what we need to do.’

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

Although both sides have already booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, whoever wins the group will be top seeds in the draw for this new phase of the tournament.

A point would suffice for the Azzurri, especially as Les Bleus are fresh off a disappointing 0-0 draw with Israel.

“It is frustrating not to score after a performance like that where we created so much, but it’s not the first time that happened to us,” said Deschamps in his press conference.

“We didn’t score against Israel, but we had many opportunities to do so.”

Deschamps fights back against France critics

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps reacts during the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 6, 2024. (Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Nonetheless, the mood in the nation is shifting against the coach, especially after EURO 2024 disappointment, and the retirement from international duty of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann.

“We are second in the FIFA world ranking, we played the Nations League with many young players lacking in experience, so naturally that has to take precedence over the result, but we still reached the semi-final of the European Championship.

“Italy and France have qualified for the quarter-finals, Italy are top of the group at the moment, but we know what we need to do.”

The Azzurri won 3-1 in Paris back in September after conceding in the opening minute.

Deschamps left Kylian Mbappé out for the second set of games in a row so that he can rediscover his form at Real Madrid.

There are a few Serie A players who are facing their club teammates tomorrow, including Khephren and Marcus Thuram.

“We have a lot of midfielders with us and Khephren Thuram started his season gradually, now he has a more important role at Juventus. He is one of the young players with quality who needs to keep showing consistency,” added Deschamps.

“I am always happy to be back in Italy, I had wonderful years there as both a player and a coach, but right now I am happy where I am.”

Adrien Rabiot returned to the side after his spell as a free agent, having signed for Olympique Marseille, but now another France international is looking for his next role as Paul Pogba terminated his contract with Juventus by mutual consent.

Pogba is still suspended over failing a doping test until March 2025.

“I saw that he reached an agreement with Juventus. I don’t know what he will choose to do next, he is working on his fitness individually,” concluded Deschamps.