Mbappe included in France matchday squad vs. Italy despite injury concerns

Kylian Mbappe has been included in the France squad to take on Italy in San Siro on Thursday evening, despite Zinedine Zidane insisting that the Real Madrid star will not be risked due to injury concerns.

According to reports on Wednesday, Mbappe did not train with the France squad on the eve of the Nations League clash against Italy due to a hamstring complaint and Zidane later confirmed that Mbappe “will not be there.”

However, Mbappe has still been included in the French matchday squad to face Italy and will take his place on the substitutes bench. He has taken his regular no.10 shirt.

The all-time leading World Cup goalscorer will not start against the Azzurri, but according to pre-match reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, there is still a possibility that he is given a couple of minutes off the bench, despite Zidane’s recent claims that he would not be risked.

Les Bleus are expected to name a front three consisting of Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue for their visit to San Siro on Thursday evening. Two Serie A representatives in Mike Maignan (Milan) and Lucas Da Cunha (Como) are also expected to start. Inter’s Andy Diouf and Milan’s Adrien Rabiot are also in Zidane’s matchday squad.

Italy, meanwhile, are expected to name an attack featuring both Esposito brothers and Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi, with a midfield of Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella and the in-form Davide Frattesi.