Deschamps: “France paid the price for its experiences during the defeat against Italy”

France coach Didier Deschamps spoke ahead of Friday’s match against Italy about using the Nations League as an opportunity to test new players, and after their 3-1 defeat in Paris that plan has not changed.

Deschamps was heavily criticised after Euro 2024, where his side, despite reaching the semi-finals, failed to impress, and against Italy he handed striker Michael Olise his debut, and also brought on midfielder Manu Koné for his first game.

“It’s a question of balance/imbalance, the team is young and some made their debuts today,” explained Deschamps.

“I know that by not putting the starting team on the field, I took risks and that harmed the overall performance.”

At the Euro, France conceded three goals in six games, but conceded three at home to Italy where Deschamps left Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano on the bench with Ibrahima Konaté and Jonathan Clauss starting.

“The defense has changed, I’ve said it before. The time has come to give playing time to as many players as possible and tonight, against top-level opponents, we paid dearly for it,” said the coach.

“In the next game, this vision of things will not change, it is time to do it.”

France got off to a perfect start, with Bradley Barcola giving them the lead after 12 seconds, but they let Italy back into the game and failed to deal with the opposition’s tactics.

“We made a good start after the goal, we immediately put good pressure on the opponent, but then things became a little more complicated,” said Deschamps.

“When there are goals, there are also mistakes, but tonight, from an athletic point of view, we already lacked performance in the second part of the first half.

“In the second half we started again with good intentions, but then they scored the 1-2 and with that low block Italy managed to play on the counter.”

Deschamps has little time to get back on his feet and will need to recover quickly from this defeat, with France hosting Belgium on Monday.

“This defeat hurts everyone tonight. I always look at the facts, no matter the circumstances,” said Deschamps.

“Congratulations to Italy, they did what they had to do to win. We had some mistakes and now we have to prepare for Belgium.”