Didier Deschamps admits ‘the light went out’ for France even before half-time in their 3-1 home defeat to Italy. ‘I am accustomed to criticism, even if I won more than lost in my career.’
The pressure was already on Les Bleus at Parc des Princes after a disappointing set of performances at EURO 2024, because even if they managed to get to the semi-final, it was scoring only one goal from open play.
They had the perfect start in the Nations League this evening, Bradley Barcola robbing Giovanni Di Lorenzo after 14 seconds to give France the lead, but Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori turned it around.
“We had started so well, scoring the goal and putting good pressure on Italy. It’s tough to keep that high press and intensity up, so even before half-time I saw a physical dip. We made mistakes, which allowed Italy to equalise,” Deschamps told RAI Sport.
“In trying that high press, we opened up spaces and Italy hurt us with attacking players who pushed up. Without a solid block, it became very difficult for us. Italy defend very well and we have great attacking players, but you have to be wary leaving those spaces or they’ll hurt you in return.”
If Deschamps had already been blasted by the media and supporters after reaching the EURO 2024 semi-final, he must be expecting a vicious response to this defeat.
“I am accustomed to criticism, even if I won more than lost in my career. I knew our fitness levels were not at the best, but it is a young squad with Olise and Manu Kone getting their senior debuts. These are the necessary steps to grow.
“I have always been clear-eyed on what we were doing. Unfortunately, in terms of intensity and physicality, Italy did more than us,” shrugged the former Juventus player and coach.
“It irritates me that our first 20 minutes were so good and then the light went out.”
Italy will face Israel on neutral turf on Monday evening, while France take on Belgium in this Nations League group.
