Jérémy Jacquet left France’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Friday with mixed emotions: pleased to have held firm in a demanding central-defensive role alongside Dayot Upamecano, but frustrated that Les Bleus did not turn their early advantage into victory.
The young defender felt France had enough opportunities to win, only to be stopped by an outstanding Gianluigi Donnarumma. He pointed to chances for Eduardo Camavinga and Adrien Rabiot as moments that could have changed the night.
“There is some frustration because I think we had the possibility to win,” Jacquet said. “We came up against a very good goalkeeper. We had chances, with Camavinga and Adrien’s shot. We can still be satisfied with the draw, even though we wanted more.”
Jacquet identifies drop after opening goal
France were tested heavily after taking the lead. Italy finished with 14 attempts, although only two were on target, and Jacquet believed the hosts lost some of their edge once they had scored.
“I felt we relaxed a little after the first goal,” he said. “When we dropped deeper, I think we needed to be more aggressive.”
The Rennes defender was also asked about France’s high pressing, with Jacquet regularly stepping forward to engage Italy well inside their own half. He explained that the approach was a direct instruction from the coaching staff.
“It was the coach’s instruction. He asks me to press very high and not look behind me. I follow the instructions,” Jacquet said.
But he accepted that the press needed better timing over the course of the match. “You have to know when to do it. At times we wanted to go too much; sometimes you simply have to stay in a medium block.”
No fear in the France shirt
Jacquet’s composed display alongside Upamecano came without the weight of expectation he might have felt on another international night. The defender said he has settled quickly into the squad and is focused on playing his natural game.
“I am happy. I do not feel pressure; I just play my football,” he said. “I was welcomed very well and that has helped too.”
He also highlighted the influence of Mike Maignan behind the defence. The France goalkeeper had spoken to him extensively from the first training sessions, giving Jacquet reassurance in a new environment.
“I saw it from the first sessions. He talked to me a lot,” Jacquet said. “Having someone like Mike behind me is very reassuring.”
