France began the Zidane era with a narrow but significant 1-0 win in Turkey on Friday, surviving early defensive uncertainty before Kylian Mbappé supplied the decisive moment.
The first outing under the new France coach brought a change of shape, with Les Bleus lined up in a 4-3-3. Rayan Cherki was used in midfield, while Mbappé started from the left side of the attack rather than through the centre.
It was not a comfortable opening night. France looked vulnerable at times in defence and Turkey created moments of concern, but the visitors also grew into the match and produced several good opportunities towards the end of the first half.
Mbappé settles Zidane’s first match
Mbappé eventually made the difference, scoring the only goal to give France their first victory under Zidane.
The scoreline could have been more emphatic late on. Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir handled the ball outside his penalty area, creating an opening for France to put the match beyond reach, but the second goal did not arrive.
France nevertheless held on for the win, giving Zidane a successful start despite a performance that exposed defensive issues still to be addressed.
First caps for Truffert and Lepaul
Two players made their senior France debuts in Turkey. Adrien Truffert and Esteban Lepaul earned their first international caps in a match that also offered an early indication of Zidane’s tactical intentions.
The result belonged to Mbappé’s finish, but the night was chiefly about a new coach, a new system and France finding a way through a difficult away test.
