France coach Zinedine Zidane defends Chelsea defender Malo Gusto after the France team suffers a 3-1 Nations League defeat to Italy in Milan. France take an early lead through Michael Olise, but Italy respond with goals from Pio Esposito and Davide Frattesi to secure the win.
Several outlets frame the reaction to Gusto’s performance as notably harsh, with French media and commentators criticising his display, including an incident in which he concedes a foul that leads to a penalty. While acknowledging Gusto was involved in the penalty, Zidane refuses to single him out and says the player “played his part,” adding that individual blame is not the focus.
The coverage also situates the result in Zidane’s early tenure: the defeat is described as his first since taking charge and it leaves France second in their Nations League group behind Italy. Outlets further note France’s next group match is against Turkey.
