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SUMMARY
- Zinedine Zidane led France through their final training session before facing Italy.
- The match will be Zidane’s first home game as France coach.
- It comes 20 years after his infamous headbutt and red card against Italy.
FRANCE: Zinedine Zidane led France’s final training session in Saint-Denis on Thursday ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Italy.
Footage shows Zidane giving instructions to his players and speaking with his coaching staff during the session.
Players including Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Rayan Cherki were seen taking part in rondo drills and sprint exercises as France prepared for the match.
The French squad heads into the game after winning their previous two matches against Turkey and Belgium.
Zidane prepares France for Italy in his first home match as coach.
A Familiar Opponent
Friday’s match will be Zidane’s first as France coach at home soil and his first professional meeting with Italy in 20 years.
The last time Zidane faced Italy as a player came during the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Berlin.
Italy eventually won the final on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
Zidane opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Marco Materazzi equalised for Italy.
The match is best remembered for Zidane’s sending-off in extra time after he headbutted Materazzi.
France Meet Italy Again
Two decades later, Zidane will face Italy again, this time from the touchline.
France will host Italy at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday.
The Nations League meeting gives Zidane his first opportunity to lead France at home, while also bringing him up against a team closely linked to one of the most memorable moments of his playing career.
UEFA, via Viory.Video
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