Zidane reveals his weapons to strike Italy without Mbappé: Dembélé to lead a fearsome trio

Zidane begins a new era in Paris

France's technical staff have named the starting line-up for their first match on home soil under the legendary Zinedine Zidane, a blockbuster clash against their historic rivals Italy.

Les Bleus arrive in high spirits. The Zidane era has begun perfectly, with back-to-back 1-0 wins away in Turkey and Belgium. Now comes the first real test in front of a massive home crowd.

Zidane is leaning on a frightening attacking trident packed with pace and skill, led by Ousmane Dembélé and flanked by two rapidly rising talents in Olise and Doué. Rabiot provides the safety valve in midfield alongside the creative Cherki.

One hugely significant absence shapes the selection: captain and talisman Kylian Mbappé, who left the current camp injured.

Losing Mbappé is a painful blow to the start of the Zidane era. The damage runs beyond the technical, where he offers a decisive goalscoring threat. It bites on morale and public interest too, with French fans desperate to see the first embrace between Zidane and his star man on the turf of the Stade de France.

Zidane's chosen line-up only confirmed his boldness and faith in young blood. It read as follows:

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan.

Defence: Pierre Kalulu - Jérémy Jacquet - Dayot Upamecano - Quentin Tolofé.

Midfield: Rayan Cherki - Da Cunha - Adrien Rabiot.

Attack: Michael Olise - Ousmane Dembélé - Désiré Doué.