Zidane Opens France’s Door to New Talent in Second National Team Squad
Zinedine Zidane has named his second France squad since taking charge of Les Bleus, selecting a blend of established stars, returning internationals and emerging talent for two important UEFA Nations League fixtures. The French coach will lead his side away to Italy on 12 November before welcoming Turkey on 15 November, with both matches carrying major consequences for the group standings.
France currently lead Group One with 10 points. Italy are second on seven, Belgium sit third with six, and Turkey are yet to earn a point. A draw across the two fixtures is enough to secure France’s place in the quarter-finals, but Zidane’s team will be aiming to finish the group strongly rather than leave qualification to chance. For fans weighing up a football prediction, the standings make France favourites to progress, although the trip to Italy promises a demanding test.
Injuries Force Changes to Zidane’s Plans
The squad announcement comes amid a challenging spell for France, with several players unavailable through injury. William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Manu Koné, Ousmane Dembélé and Esteban Lepaul are all missing. Dayot Upamecano is also suspended for the match against Italy, further limiting Zidane’s defensive options for the opening fixture.
Those absences have created opportunities for new and returning players. Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has been included to provide cover at right-back following Koundé’s injury, while midfielders Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha are among the names brought into the group. Jérémy Jacquet also earns a place, giving Zidane additional defensive depth during a window in which squad flexibility could prove crucial.
With two matches scheduled in quick succession, France may need to rotate more than usual. The coach will have to balance the need for defensive stability against Italy with the importance of maintaining energy and intensity for the later meeting with Turkey. The squad’s mix of experienced internationals and younger players gives him several options, but the depleted back line will be one of the key areas to watch.
Pablo Pagis Earns a First Senior Call-Up
The headline surprise is the inclusion of forward Pablo Pagis, who receives his first senior call-up. His selection offers a fresh attacking option and signals that Zidane is willing to look beyond France’s most familiar names while building depth for the national team. A first call-up does not guarantee immediate minutes, but training alongside elite international players could be an important step in Pagis’ development.
Aurélien Tchouaméni also returns to the squad, strengthening France’s midfield options. His ability to protect the defence, win possession and help launch attacks could be especially valuable against Italy, a side known for its tactical discipline. Alongside Tchouaméni, Zidane has selected Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Adrien Rabiot and Warren Zaïre-Emery, giving France a midfield group that combines physical presence, creativity and experience.
That variety could shape Zidane’s approach. France can use a more controlled midfield to manage possession or introduce technically gifted players to break down a compact defence. Cherki’s creativity and Camavinga’s mobility offer different solutions, while Rabiot’s experience may help bring balance in a high-pressure away match.
Mbappé and Olise Lead a Strong Attack
France’s forward line remains one of the squad’s biggest strengths. Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise headline the attacking group, joined by Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and returning striker Marcus Thuram. The selection gives Zidane pace, one-on-one ability and a range of options through the middle.
Mbappé’s movement and finishing make him a constant threat, while Olise can create chances from wide areas or operate between the lines. Barcola and Doué provide youthful energy and direct running, and Thuram adds a different profile as a forward capable of stretching defences and linking play. If France need a goal late in either match, Zidane will have several attacking combinations available from the bench.
For supporters studying a football prediction ahead of the Italy fixture, France’s attacking quality is a major reason to expect chances. However, Italy’s home advantage and France’s defensive absences could make the contest closer than the group table suggests. The match may depend on whether Zidane’s midfield can control the tempo and protect the back four.
France Squad for the November Nations League Matches
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens).
Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Leny Yoro (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Pablo Pagis (Paris FC), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).
Qualification Within Reach, but Tests Remain
France enter the international window in a strong position, yet the two fixtures will test both Zidane’s tactical plans and his squad’s depth. Italy are close enough in the standings to make the first match significant, while Turkey will be looking to disrupt France’s progress despite sitting bottom of the group.
For Zidane, the window is about more than securing a quarter-final place. It is also an opportunity to assess new faces, restore key players to the international setup and find reliable combinations in the face of injuries. If the newcomers respond well and France’s established stars deliver, Les Bleus could strengthen their position while giving supporters fresh reasons for optimism.
