Andy Diouf in contention for Zidane's first France list

Andy Diouf has given Zinedine Zidane a new option to consider before the France coach names his first squad. The Inter Milan midfielder has impressed in a role on the right and is now being discussed as a possible surprise selection for the national team.

Zidane will announce his first France list on September 17 at the French Football Federation headquarters. He was officially installed in August after Didier Deschamps ended a 14-year spell in charge of Les Bleus, leaving the new coach to decide whether to make major changes or adjust the existing squad.

Diouf strengthened his case in Inter's opening Serie A match. Used as a right-sided wing-back, a position he had not regularly occupied, the 23-year-old supplied two assists in a 4-1 victory over Monza and was named player of the match. His strong pre-season form had already attracted attention after he joined Inter from Lens last summer.

The right-back position could offer him an opening. Jules Kounde and Malo Gusto were Deschamps' choices there at the World Cup, but neither fully convinced. Diouf has represented France at youth level without appearing for the senior side. He was also selected by Thierry Henry for the 2024 Olympic tournament, making a first senior call-up under Zidane the next possible step.