France Loses To Italy Because Of Didier Deschamps' Failed Experiment

French midfielder Manu Kone is one of the players who was given the opportunity to play by coach Didier Deschamps. (X/@equipedefrance)

JAKARTA - France started the fight in the UEFA Nations League by losing 3-1 at home to Italy. Didier Deschamps coach experiment was accused of causing France's defeat in a duel at the Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris, Saturday, September 7, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Deschamps previously stated that the match in the Nations League was used to give new players the opportunity. When facing Italy, which is one of France's tough opponents, Deschamps is adamant about conducting experiments.

Fronter Michael Olise, who previously played for France at the 2024 Olympics, made his debut in the senior team. Deschamps also fielded midfielder Manu Kone in the second half. This is AS Roma's first match at Les Bleus.

"The question is the balance or imbalance of the team. Frankly, this is indeed a young team. Some of them even made their debut," said Deschamps as quoted by ESPN.

"I know the risks I face when lowering them as starters. The resulting performance can get worse," he said.

The reshuffle was also carried out in the back sector. The duo defenders Jules Kunde and Dayot Upamecano who have been the pillars of the team's defense have been blocked. On the other hand, Ibrahima Konate and Jonathan Clauss who had the opportunity to start with Theo Hernandez and William Saliba.

"The defense sector has to change. I've said that. And, it's time to give players as much opportunity as possible. It's just that when we face strong opponents, we have to pay with defeat," said Dechamps again.

Despite losing at home and failing with his experiment, Deschamps, who brought France to world champion both as a player and a coach, said he would not change the experimental plans or decisions.

"There is no change in vision in the next match. This is the time to do it," he said.

France actually started very well in the League A Group 2 match. Even France was ahead through Bradley Barcola's quick goal. The game has only been running for 12 seconds, this Paris Saint-Germain forward has broken into the Italian goal.

However, Gli Azzurri managed to get up. Italy only took half an hour to equalize the score through Federico Dimarco. Furthermore, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori confirmed Italy's lead to 3-1.

"We did a very good start and managed to score a goal. We were also able to put pressure on the opponent. But the continuation was not easy," said Deschamps.

"We then conceded due to our own mistakes. Moreover, we had weaknesses in the first half," he said.

"In the second half, we started by putting pressure on the opponent. But then they could score goals and lead 2-1. Italy was also good at counterattacking," he said further.

Deschamps has actually received criticism after poor results at Euro 2024. Despite reaching the semifinals before being stopped by Spain, which became the champion, Kylian Mbappe et al's appearance was not promising at all.

During six matches, France only conceded three times. But in one match against Italy, Mike Maignan's goal conceded three times.