Zidane says Mbappé will miss France match against Italy

France coach Zinedine Zidane said captain Kylian Mbappé will miss the Nations League match against Italy on Thursday, November 12, after experiencing hamstring discomfort. Zidane said France would not risk aggravating the problem, which he described as minor, and hoped the forward could return for Sunday’s match against Türkiye.

Mbappé missed training before the game in Milan. Zidane confirmed his absence at a news conference, saying the player had felt pain. Reports said he received treatment from France’s medical staff, but no independent medical assessment was provided. His availability against Türkiye will depend on his recovery.

France called up Paris Saint-Germain forward Senny Mayulu for his first senior international appearance. The 20-year-old had been training with the under-21 squad before joining the senior team. Mayulu is among several new players in Zidane’s squad, while Bournemouth forward Éli Junior Kroupi had also received a call-up as a replacement for injured striker Marcus Thuram.

France enter the Italy match with 10 points from four Group A1 games, ahead of Italy on seven and Belgium on six. A win over Italy would guarantee France a place in the Nations...