Italy-France: Di Meco defends Zidane after his first defeat with the Bleus

France lost 3-1 to Italy in Nations League on Thursday; Di Meco defended Zidane, citing fixture congestion and calling early criticism unfair.

Zinédine Zidane suffered his first defeat as France manager after Italy beat the Bleus 3-1 at San Siro in a Nations League match on Thursday. The loss came after an encouraging start to his tenure, which included three wins and a draw in September and October.

Analyst Eric Di Meco defended Zidane on RMC's Super Moscato Show, arguing that November international fixtures are inherently difficult because players are competing in the Champions League at their clubs. He also criticized those attacking the manager for being too ambitious, pointing out the contradiction: "They criticized Deschamps for never taking risks, and now they're criticizing Zidane for being too ambitious and fielding four attackers."

France can still qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals with a draw against Turkey on Sunday in Bordeaux (20:45). That match will be Zidane's sixth in charge and the final game of his calendar year.