Just two months after their Euro semi-final defeat against Spain, Les Bleus are back. And for their return, the French team is in for another shock as Didier Deschamps’ troops face Italy at the Parc des Princes. And like against La Roja, Antoine Griezmann may have to settle for a substitute role against La Nazionale, despite the absences of Aurélien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in midfield.
The French coach should indeed opt for a 4-2-3-1 with N’Golo Kanté in midfield and Youssouf Fofana in recovery. And in the forward positions, while Kylian Mbappé is expected to play up front, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé should surround Michael Olise, expected to be the starting number one for his big debut with the Blues.
It will also be part of game time management.
Questioned at a press conference, Didier Deschamps nevertheless insisted on the immense consideration he has for Antoine Griezmann.. “I talk a lot with the players. Antoine is certainly the player with whom I have had the most discussions, he confided, adding : “He has had more or less happy periods. That he is not at 100% today… He will also enter into a management of playing time. The exchanges are permanent. I spoke to him during the Euro, between competitions. I spend a lot of time with the players to give them confidence.”
Didier Deschamps also repeated all the good things he thought of his player. “Antoine has always done very good things, sometimes less good ones. When he has good feelings, his influence is important, it’s up to him to do everything to string together matches,” has he indeed blown again on the subject of the Mâconnais.
