Kylian Mbappe to miss France’s clash with Italy; Zidane handed the first match with PSG to Senny Mayulu

Kylian Mbappe (Photo Reuters) France suffered a major setback ahead of their UEFA Nations League decider against Italy as captain Kylian Mbappe missed training with a hamstring problem. The Real Madrid striker will miss Thursday’s clash in Milan, forcing France coach Zinedine Zidane to change his attacking options.According to French sports daily L’Equipe, Mbappe is struggling with a hamstring problem and will not feature against Italy at the San Siro. However, the 27-year-old could return for France’s final group stage game against Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday.

Senny Mayulu joins Eli Junior Kroupi as a rookie in France

Mayulu is the second 20-year-old forward to receive his first senior call-up to France during the ongoing international break. Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi was earlier added to the squad after Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram withdrew with a hamstring injury.The inclusion of Kroupi and the promotion of Mayul provide Zidane with additional attacking options as France address fitness issues among their forwards.For Mayula, this challenge represents a significant milestone in his career and offers him the opportunity to make his senior international debut. The PSG youngster has impressed with his performances at club level and was already involved in the under-21 set-up before earning a promotion to the senior team.

France’s goal is to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League against Italy

France head into Thursday’s clash at the San Siro with qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League. Les Bleus are currently leading their group and can secure a place in the round of 16 with a win over Italy. The quarter-finals are scheduled for March.After the match in Italy, France will conclude their group stage campaign against Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday.