Zinédine Zidane savours Stade de France return before Nations League tie with Italy | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane returned to the Stade de France as France head coach ahead of Friday’s Nations League meeting with Italy at 20:45, admitting the occasion has stirred strong emotion and insisting his side are ready.

According to L'Équipe, he left Thursday’s press conference swiftly to lead training on the pitch he last graced as a player more than 20 years ago, flanked by assistant David Bettoni and fitness coach Grégory Dupont, while 22 players waited for the signal to begin.

Italy’s presence revived memories of 2006 and the headbutt he is still reminded of, though he noted there were other, more positive images. This stadium also carries happier landmarks, including his goal in a 1-0 win over Spain on 28 January 1998 at its inauguration, and winning the World Cup there on 12 July that year.

He said the ground is special for the team and that they want to keep writing their story with France. The match is sold out, interest driven not only by Monday’s 1-0 win in Belgium but also by Zidane’s presence.

During the session he replaced divots, often kept a ball under his arm and watched closely a group whose work rate and receptiveness have impressed him. He added that the squad is in good spirits and that, for a coach, such an environment is priceless.

Source: L'Équipe

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