Mbappe misses France match against Italy amid reports of tension with Zidane

Kylian Mbappe will be absent from the French national team's Nations League match against Italy in Milan on November 12, 2026. The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward missed training on November 11 due to a mild muscle strain, according to reports from L'Equipe. Despite this injury, medical staff expect him to return for the final group stage match against Turkey on November 15.

Simultaneously, local media report significant friction between Mbappe and new national team manager Zinedine Zidane, who took over following Didier Deschamps' departure after the summer World Cup. Tensions reportedly stem from poor communication and tactical disagreements, specifically regarding Zidane's decision to deploy Mbappe on the left wing during September matches rather than in his preferred central attacking position. While the injury is confirmed as the immediate cause of his absence against Italy, the underlying interpersonal difficulties remain a point of discussion in French sports media.