Despite many experts advising that Kylian Mbappe should be rested for the match against Italy, France’s coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that the 25-year-old captain of Les Bleus will remain in the starting lineup.
Mbappe nearly missed all of the summer 2024 preparations for the new season. However, he has faced a busy schedule, having played five matches with Real Madrid from mid-August to now. Therefore, top experts suggest that the 25-year-old superstar needs a game off to “rest and catch some fresh air.”
Moreover, this will be Mbappe’s first return to Parc des Princes as a Real Madrid player, which might subject him to the anger of the fans. Thus, it would be best for the star to be rested for this match.
However, Coach Deschamps has confirmed in a press conference ahead of the Italy match, which is part of the first round of League A, Group 2 of the 2024/25 Nations League, that he is confident in Mbappe and what he has seen from his star player.
“I have absolute trust in Kylian. Even in the three games where he did not score, his movement, ability to draw defenders, and his penetration into the box have always pleased me. We feel Kylian is doing very well. I have also talked to Kylian, and he shared the same sentiment. The EURO 2024 was not good for him because he suffered a broken nose early in the tournament. Try playing with a painful nose and an uncomfortable mask that you haven’t had time to adapt to; you might not be able to run properly,” Coach Deschamps emphasized.
During their meeting, Deschamps embraced Mbappe and continually “checked” his muscles, showing great satisfaction. It should also be noted that, although Mbappe did not participate in Real Madrid’s pre-season training, he has strictly adhered to the special individual training regimen set up by fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
