EN IMAGES Italie - France : Le calvaire de Gusto, la vista de Da Cunha et d’Olise… Les notes des Bleus après ce couac
1Italy Dominates France 3-1
France suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Italy at the San Siro. Despite early promise, the French defense struggled significantly throughout the match. The result highlights ongoing tactical challenges for Zinédine Zidane’s squad, particularly regarding defensive stability and the effectiveness of the full-back positions against high-pressure opponents.
2Maignan Struggles at San Siro
Mike Maignan failed to impress at his home stadium, earning a 4/10 rating. He was unable to stop Pio Esposito’s equalizer in the 26th minute and appeared shaky during the second half. While his reputation may have pressured Sebastiano Esposito into missing a penalty, he lacked his usual decisive impact.
3Gusto’s Defensive Nightmare
Malo Gusto endured a disastrous performance, receiving a 1/10 rating after being consistently outplayed by Nicolo Cambiaghi. He conceded a penalty and was directly involved in the defensive breakdown leading to Italy’s second goal. His inability to contain the right flank raised serious questions about his suitability for this level.
4Jacquet Shows Defensive Promise
Jérémy Jacquet earned a 5/10 rating, proving to be a reliable presence despite the team's collective failure. Even after receiving an early yellow card in the 13th minute, he remained composed. His solid defensive work suggests he could become a long-term asset for France in the absence of William Saliba.
5Upamecano’s Costly Errors
Dayot Upamecano struggled significantly, finishing with a 3/10 rating after a series of defensive lapses. He failed to track Pio Esposito for the equalizer and later conceded a penalty in the 74th minute. This performance mirrors his previous struggles against Italy, highlighting a recurring difficulty in managing high-stakes defensive situations.
6Truffert’s Limited Impact
Adrien Truffert received a 3/10 rating for a lackluster display on the left flank. He offered little offensive threat and was defensively involved in the sequence leading to Italy’s third goal. His performance underscores the urgent need for Zidane to address the lack of depth and quality at the full-back positions.
7Da Cunha’s Technical Brilliance
Lucas Da Cunha was the standout performer with a 7/10 rating, showcasing exceptional vision and technical skill. His ability to combine with teammates and create high-quality chances was a highlight for France. Despite being caught in the defensive mix for the third goal, his overall contribution remained highly impressive throughout.
8Cherki’s Mixed Offensive Output
Rayan Cherki earned a 5/10 rating, displaying both brilliance and frustration. While his powerful shooting tested Donnarumma, his tendency to over-dribble in critical areas often stalled French attacks. His inability to capitalize on key opportunities in the 51st minute highlighted a need for better decision-making in the final third.
9Rabiot’s Leadership and Presence
Adrien Rabiot, wearing the captain's armband for the first time, earned a 6/10 rating. He demonstrated strong personality, notably stopping a dangerous run by Calafiori in the 24th minute. His willingness to project forward and test the Italian goalkeeper showed his commitment, even as the team struggled to maintain defensive cohesion.
10Tactical Vulnerabilities Exposed
The match revealed deep-seated issues in France’s tactical setup, particularly on the flanks. Roberto Mancini’s strategy of targeting the right side effectively dismantled the French defense. These repeated structural failures suggest that Zidane must reconsider his defensive personnel and positional assignments to avoid similar collapses in future international fixtures.
11Zidane’s Ongoing Rebuilding Phase
This defeat serves as a sobering reality check for Zinédine Zidane’s project. With inconsistent performances from key players and a clear lack of defensive reliability, the team remains a work in progress. Future matches will require significant tactical adjustments to integrate young talent while maintaining the defensive rigor required at this level.