A seminal match for the French team: ” I don’t mind being labelled like that, even though Italy gave us problems, we feel proud of what we’ve achieved three days after a match in which we were ineffective. (0-0 against Israel). When we drew on Thursday, Argentina and Brazil lost, we didn’t do everything well on Thursday, the context was different, I made seven changes (to the starting 11) because I wanted to see other things. Starting with the attacking players (Nkunku, Kolo Muani, Thuram on the front line) in their positioning. We were very effective in difficult positions. Winning here is always a source of pride. Winning by a two-goal margin is a huge achievement, and it puts us back in first place in the group. (rankings here). It’s a beautiful evening. “

Victory with a special taste:” In general, the last match of November is always good to win. Criticism… You can say and write what you like, it’s part of life. I have elements, I’m in-house, I set objectives, there are demands and very high expectations. The players are responding with a younger group. That’s what these six matches were supposed to be about. It will complicate my choices for the future, but it’s a very good thing to play these great matches against an Italian team that has a lot of quality.. “

Also read
Les Bleus’ notes from Italy: Rabiot and Digne as hitmen, “Magic” Maignan, Thuram in a tough spot

It’s complicated for Kylian (Mbappé), but I’m convinced he’ll be back to full fitness.

Didier Deschamps

Les Bleus’ technical and collective mastery: ” I try to position the players in the best position. Tonight (Sunday) was 100%, which isn’t always the case. We didn’t have much time to prepare, but obviously with video, we can put things in place. After that, it’s up to them (the players)… We performed well across the board, and the positioning of the three attacking players brought a lot to the team. As a group, in terms of control, our ability to defend well and our goals from set-pieces, it’s all positive. It’s a group victory. It’s great to have done what they did tonight, with a great atmosphere supporting Italy. In view of the match, our victory is well deserved.. “

If the victory and the state of mind send a message to the absentees, notably Mbappé : ” That’s your interpretation. (annoyed) I know that in life, there can be negative and twisted people… Don’t go interpreting things. Mike (Maignan) talks (on TF1) about the people who were there. Not those who weren’t there. If you want to talk about Kylian again, it’s complicated for him and I’m convinced he’ll be back to full fitness…. “

Digne’s set-pieces: ” It’s the choice of the Italians, who defend very low. There were two options, which left a lot of freedom, but we wanted to strike in that area. We put a lot of players in the 5m 50. The area was targeted by Adrien (Rabiot) and “Ibou” Konaté, aided by the precision of Digne.. ”

His 2024 year in review: ” I knew the option we’d taken (numerous changes since September), we had to go through it. I did it before the World Cup (2022) and we only got five points by holding on to third place (in the Nations League). We’re going to take the time with the staff to analyze everything. It’s always useful to have additional answers for the future.. “

Interview at the press conference