Italy-France: joker, Mancini advises Zidane… not to play Mbappé

Italy coach Roberto Mancini on Wednesday advised, with humor, his French counterpart Zinédine Zidane to spare superstar Kylian Mbappé, uncertain for the Nations League match between the two countries on Thursday in Milan.

“I would advise him not to take any risks for tomorrow’s match. It is better that he (Mbappé, editor's note) does not play, in order to recover well in view of the Champions League. But France has such a pool of attackers, all very talented, that it is difficult to say whether it is better to play Mbappé, another player, or a different combination. They really have 5 or 6 attackers, all excellent,” said the Italian technician at a press conference.

Particularly in spirit, Mancini also felt that “if (Michael) Olise catches a cold tonight, it doesn’t matter.” “But it's also great to play matches against such strong teams and such talented players, I think that's the beauty of football,” he continued more seriously.

Mbappé, captain and top scorer in the history of the France team (27 years old, 107 caps, 67 goals), remained in treatment on Wednesday on the eve of the match in Italy and his participation in the match is not assured. The Blues management therefore summoned PSG player Senny Mayulu to complete the group and prepare for any eventuality.

After three wins and a draw in four games, the Blues are at the top of Group 1 of the Nations League and are on very good track to qualify for the quarter-finals before the last two meetings of the group phase against Italy, Thursday in Milan, and Turkey, Sunday in Bordeaux.