Mbappé key for the Blues' qualification after Italy's defeat
The final match against Turkey will ultimately not be without stakes. This pressure stems from the defeat suffered against Italy, 3-1, on Thursday. The Blues will need to win to confirm their qualification for the quarter‑finals and are counting on their captain.
Mbappé's absence and Zidane's reactions
Kylian Mbappé was absent during the trip to Italy because of a physical alert, but he should be able to keep his place. Zinedine Zidane said on Thursday, after the defeat, that he hopes Mbappé will be ready on Sunday and that his rest was planned. At the San Siro, Mbappé watched the match alongside Marcus Thuram, his expression gradually hardening.
Consequences of the Italian setback
If the Blues had taken the lead quickly thanks to Michael Olise, Italy equalised in the first half before dominating after the break to eventually win 3-1. Kylian Mbappé had, however, scored the winning goal in the first leg against Turkey in Ankara (0-1). This defeat puts France in second place in the group, behind Italy, and requires a victory against Turkey in Bordeaux to secure their ticket to the quarter‑finals.
France's rise in Italy despite Mbappé's absence
Mbappé had played only one match for the Blues during the first gathering in September. He injured his left knee while scoring that winning goal against Turkey in Ankara. This time, the physical issue seems minor and his absence against Italy was more of a precaution. “He felt a slight pain, zero risk, I hope to see him back on Sunday, he’s not happy not to play, we are taking no risks because the season is long,” Zinedine Zidane said.