Kylian Mbappé’s absence fuels fresh France debate

Kylian Mbappé’s absence has intensified the debate over his importance to France after the team struggled to turn pressure into victory against Italy. The captain missed the match after being injured against Turkey, while Pierre Ménès argued on social media that his absence had made his influence more obvious.

France drew 1-1 with Italy on Friday in the third round of the Nations League. The result followed narrow 1-0 wins over Turkey and Belgium, leaving the team unbeaten across its opening three matches under coach Zinédine Zidane. It was also Zidane’s first home game in charge.

Zidane moved Ousmane Dembélé into a central role against Italy, but the Paris Saint-Germain forward failed to make a decisive impact. The performance has fed contrasting views among France followers. Some believe the team pressed more effectively and looked more modern without Mbappé, while others see the lack of finishing as evidence of what the Real Madrid forward provides.

The discussion will continue with France’s next Nations League fixture, another meeting with Belgium at the Stade de France on Monday. Mbappé is again expected to be absent, giving the team another opportunity to function without its captain and giving his critics further evidence to assess.