Manu Koné says Zinedine Zidane has already changed the feel around France, and Friday's game against Italy will be his first home match as head coach at the Stade de France. Koné described the coach as close to the players and said he builds confidence by telling them to play freely. France go into the night after winning their first two Nations League matches without conceding.
Koné's view of Zidane
Koné's strongest line was about the daily management, not the tactics board. He said Zidane is "very sincere, very close to the players" and that he can speak to the group privately or in front of everyone. He also said Zidane was helping him with positioning and the team's balance, which fits a France side that has begun the campaign with a 2-0 goal difference.
The numbers sit neatly behind the mood. Koné has already played 90 minutes in the Nations League, and his only appearance in the competition brought a 6.96 rating. That is a small but clear sign that he is part of the early plan, not just along for the ride.
Italy's test in Paris
Italy arrive with a different energy. They have played two Nations League matches, winning one and losing one, and their 4-3 goal difference is a reminder that the side is still settling. Giorgio Scalvini said Monday's 4-1 win against Turkiye showed Italy they are a strong side and can dominate games the way the coach wants.
That makes the Paris trip a proper check on where they stand. Scalvini also called France one of the best sides in the world, especially in attack, where the pace and quality stand out. France have looked calmer so far, but Italy have enough from the Turkiye win to make this more than a ceremonial first home night for Zidane.
Koné said the players will discover the ovation at the same time as everyone else. By Friday night at the Stade de France, France will know whether Zidane's free-flowing message still looks the same when Italy are across from them.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 6 outlets. How we work →
