Didier Deschamps is ready to face the critics after France kickstarted their Nations League marketing campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Italy on Friday.
Bradley Barcola handed the hosts a lead with simply 12 seconds on the clock, just for the Azzurri to reply to safe their first victory over France on the Parc des Princes.
After scoring simply as soon as from open play at Euro 2024, Les Bleus failed to hassle Gianluigi Donnarumma, with solely three of their 12 photographs within the encounter heading in the right direction, all of which got here within the first 45 minutes.
France registered an anticipated targets (xG) complete of 0.86 in comparison with Italy’s 1.71, with Kylian Mbappe enduring one other tough night time in entrance of aim.
Regardless of profitable each the World Cup and the Nations League throughout his time in cost, Deschamps is prepared for criticism, having beforehand come beneath hearth in Germany.
“I’m accustomed to criticism, even when I received greater than misplaced in my profession,” Deschamps stated.
“I knew our health ranges weren’t at one of the best, however it’s a younger squad with Olise and Manu Kone getting their senior debuts. These are the mandatory steps to develop.
“I’ve all the time been clear-eyed on what we had been doing. Sadly, when it comes to depth and physicality, Italy did greater than us.
“It irritates me that our first 20 minutes had been so good after which the sunshine went out.”
It’s throughout on the Parc des Princes, Les Bleus are defeated by Italy.
Subsequent match: Monday in Lyon, towards Belgium
1-3 | #FRAITA | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/MLkro2BtXt
— French Workforce (@FrenchTeam) September 6, 2024
Regardless of beginning properly, France failed to search out that attacking spark that many have feared on the worldwide stage lately.
With the likes of Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram all skilled within the senior facet, it was Barcola, on his sixth begin for his nation, who shone.
He contributed an anticipated targets (xG) complete of 0.45 to France’s complete, registering extra photographs (three) than anybody for Les Bleus.
However talking after the sport, Deschamps praised Italy’s stern defensive displaying, acknowledging his facet’s fast begin was tough to take care of.
“We had began so properly, scoring the aim and placing good stress on Italy,” Deschamps advised RAI Sport.
“It’s robust to maintain that top press and depth up, even earlier than half-time I noticed a bodily dip. We made errors, which allowed Italy to equalise.
“In attempting that top press, we opened up areas and Italy harm us with attacking gamers who pushed up. And not using a stable block, it turned very tough for us.
“Italy defend very properly and now we have nice attacking gamers, however you must be cautious leaving these areas or they’ll harm you in return.”
