Italy vs. France: French fans go wild: “Without Mbappé, we’re just a Twingo.” The Azzurri are praised, while Zidane is criticized

Italy’s 3-1 victory over France did not go unnoticed across the Alps. In fact, the Azzurri’s win sparked hundreds of reactions on social media, ranging from disappointment and sarcasm to compliments for the Italian team. Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé’s absence have been the main focus of attention, but what’s also striking is the respect shown by many French fans toward an Italian team that seems to have rediscovered its character, quality, and ambition.

Among the most significant comments is one from Fa Ouzi, who highlights the weight of Italy’s soccer tradition: “Italy has four World Cup titles, two European Championships, and a history rich in success. It is and always will be a great soccer nation.” Ti To is on the same page, noting that the best news of the evening is precisely Italy’s return to a level worthy of its history.

This recognition also comes from those who watched the match closely. Denis Barret readily acknowledges the Azzurri’s superiority, noting that France’s attack lacked creativity, especially in the second half. Cathou Pecnik Leyser, on the other hand, urges her compatriots to accept the result: “You also have to know how to lose,” adding that it’s great to see a competitive Italian national team again.

Pascal Druart’s analysis is more balanced; he considers the Azzurri’s victory well-deserved, especially given the fighting spirit they displayed in the second half. Franck Pallet also sees important signs: in his view, Italy is gradually returning to the forefront of international soccer, and in the future, teams will once again have to reckon with the Azzurri.

Then there are those who look beyond the result. Samuel Ornella Pasqualetto speaks openly of a rebirth that has just begun, recalling how, just a few months ago, there were numerous doubts about the quality of Italy’s younger generations. Today, however, he sees promising young players in every position. Franco Acm emphasizes the same point: great national teams don’t disappear, and Italy finally seems to have rediscovered its mentality, determination, and team spirit.

Among the most pointed comments is that of Alexandre Reja-Bret, who sums up the difference seen on the field as follows: “The Italians play for the flag; the French play for the prize.” A provocative statement that resonates with the words of Hakim Hamiche, who is convinced that when Italy faces France, it manages to display a special kind of determination. For him, in matches like these, it’s not necessarily the strongest team that wins, but the one that wants success the most.

The most talked-about topic, however, remains Kylian Mbappé. The defeat has reignited the debate over the French national team’s dependence on its star player.

Khaled Al Khaldi chooses a car analogy bound to spark discussion: “France with Mbappé is a Ferrari; without him, a Renault Twingo.” A quip that captures the sentiment of a significant portion of the fans.

James RochDieu, on the other hand, recalls how the significance of the striker’s absence had been downplayed before the match. After the 3-1 loss, he observes ironically, it becomes difficult to argue that doing without Mbappé isn’t a problem.

Stephane Gadziala is also convinced that with the star player on the field, France could have made better use of the chances they created. Anchello Pérouze shares this view: a player of Mbappé’s caliber, he argues, can single-handedly change the course of a game and would likely have made life more difficult for the Azzurri.

The criticism hasn’t spared Zinedine Zidane, who was tasked with managing a national team brimming with talent but appeared to struggle against Italy.

Eric Charvoz Immo takes issue with a specific decision by the head coach: not starting Warren Zaïre-Emery in place of Malo Gusto. This concern is shared by Sonny Manu Crockett, who believes that relying on Gusto—despite his limited playing time early in the season—was the coach’s first mistake.

Samy Ben is decidedly harsher, questioning the coaching decisions and the performance of certain offensive players, citing Cherki, Doué, and Barcola. The fan then returns to the topic of Mbappé’s absence, noting just how decisive his goal-scoring contribution can be.

Not everyone, however, is willing to condemn Zidane after just one loss. Emmanuel Poitevin appreciates the coach’s willingness to experiment and revamp the team. In his view, a setback can help identify mistakes and lead to improvement. He also applauds Italy for its performance.

Fabien Patrisse urges people to give the former Real Madrid coach time, noting that the French national team’s new journey is only just beginning. Didier Goursaud shares this view, warning against excessive expectations: Zidane has inherited a significant legacy and cannot be considered an infallible coach. France’s talent, he emphasizes, must be demonstrated on the field, not just on paper.

A fairly clear picture emerges from the reactions: French fans are divided over who is to blame for the loss, debating Zidane’s decisions and once again questioning Mbappé’s impact. But, beyond the controversy, many acknowledge Italy’s merits.

The 3-1 victory has restored enthusiasm to the Azzurri and reignited international attention on a national team seeking to put its most difficult years behind it. And perhaps the most significant sign comes from France itself, Italy’s historic soccer rival: amid taunts, regrets, and technical analyses, there is a growing sense that Italy is once again becoming an opponent to be respected and feared.