France v Italy sold out, Belgium near capacity for Zinédine Zidane’s Stade de France bow | OneFootball

The Stade de France is set for big crowds as France host Italy on Friday at 20:45 and Belgium three days later. According to L'Équipe, Italy is sold out and Belgium could be close to full as Zinédine Zidane takes charge at home for the first time.

The Zidane effect is clear in media terms, with the new head coach the focus of this first camp, though it is too soon to see it across all federation partnerships.

TF1 screened Zidane’s opening matches in Türkiye and Belgium, both 1-0 wins, drawing more than 6 million viewers. Audience shares reached 37.7% and 32.9%, meaning over a third of those watching TV tuned in, despite the Nations League not always being a major draw.

Initial tickets for Italy went in minutes. A handful of premium seats, Or at 175 euros and category one at 145 euros, reappeared early this week after returns from partners, institutions, leagues and districts. Around 80,000 are expected on Friday.

This comes despite FFF-driven price rises and a tough economic climate, with fuel costs high. The Belgium game is also tracking strongly and could sell out.

Supporters’ groups plan to salute the former Real Madrid coach with a “bienvenue à la maison” tifo and three key Saint-Denis dates, while the federation has not scheduled a ceremony.

Security officials have no particular concerns, rating the match level two out of five. Two Italian ultra groups, one from the north and one from the south, are expected, and recent Nazionale trips have passed without major incident.

Source: L'Équipe

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