France will meet Italy on Friday evening without Kylian Mbappé, but the captain’s armband has passed to another Paris-born figure of the modern European game: Ousmane Dembélé. At 29, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has used the occasion to dismiss any suggestion of a rift between the two France stars as Les Bleus prepare for a 20:45 kick-off.
Speculation had followed Mbappé’s recent remarks about the differing routes taken by the pair, both of whom have stood among the leading Ballon d’Or contenders. Dembélé, who won the award in 2025, has now made clear that there is no conflict with his international colleague.
“There is no problem between us,” Dembélé said, explaining that he has no interest in the minor arguments that can gather pace on social media. “At my age, 29, that is not what I am thinking about.”
Mbappé is unavailable after Real Madrid confirmed a hyperextension affecting the posterior capsule of his left knee. His absence leaves Dembélé to lead France against Italy, a fixture that brings a major early test for new coach Zinedine Zidane.
Dembélé, who wears No. 10 for PSG, spoke warmly of working under Zidane. “It is an enormous pleasure to be coached by an absolute legend,” he said. “It is really wonderful.”
Questions also turned to the old France-Italy World Cup final and whether Zidane might see the reunion as an opportunity for revenge after the defeat and his sending-off in 2016. Dembélé rejected that framing, saying the France manager is not driven by settling an old score.
“He is not looking for revenge,” Dembélé said. “He is France’s coach now, with incredible ambition, and he is focused on the job he has to do.”
