Zidane celebrates successful debut as France coach - Mbappé injured

Zinédine Zidane made his debut as the new national coach of the French national team. In their first game of the Nations League, the “Équipe Tricolore” won 1-0 (0-0) in Turkey thanks to Kylian Mbappé.

Zidane had to watch as his team only created their first compelling chances to score shortly before the break. In the 54th minute, Kylian Mbappé redeemed his coach, the World Cup top scorer met a pass from Bayern striker Michael Olise to take the lead 1-0.

Mbappé injured his left knee and tried to continue playing, but had to be substituted shortly afterwards. The French association FFF announced that Mbappé would return to Madrid for treatment due to a tendon injury and would miss the next three games.

Whistles for the »Squadra Azzurra«

After missing the World Cup qualification, everything should get better for the Italian national team. But at the start of the Nations League, new head coach Roberto Mancini's team made a false start and lost 0-2 (0-1) at home against Belgium. Mika Godts (20th) and Dodi Lukebakio (69th) scored for the Belgians. Mohamed Ali Zoma from 1. FC Nürnberg made his debut for Italy in the 80th minute.

After a disappointing performance in the first half, the “Squadra Azzurra” were even booed in front of their home crowd in the Olympic Stadium in Rome. “The whistles are understandable,” said Mancini after the final whistle.

France and Italy meet on Friday (October 2nd). Zidane then makes his home debut as French national coach in Saint-Denis.

Ireland's Knight speaks out against duel with Israel

In contrast to the duel between France and Italy, the focus on Sunday's game between Israel and Ireland is for non-sporting reasons. For security reasons, the game will take place in Debrecen, Hungary. There are still calls for a boycott over Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack. The Irish association FAI had already waived its ticket quota.

"I don't think the game should take place, but it is taking place," said Irish international Jason Knight after Ireland's 1-0 defeat against Kosovo. »I'm quite experienced. None of us have experienced a situation like this before,” said the Bristol City professional.

The Republic of Ireland has clearly expressed its support for the Palestinians since the start of the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. At the same time, Ireland emphasizes Israel's right to exist and officially recognized the state of Palestine in 2024.

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said last week that some of his players felt uncomfortable playing the games against Israel. Both teams will meet again as part of the Nations League on October 4th, then in Backa Topola, Serbia.