France 1-1 Italy: Zidane's perfect start is over — overreaction or real warning sign?
France were held 1-1 by Italy at the Stade de France in the Nations League, and it's suddenly the most-searched football story in the US (200K+ searches). Zidane is brand new as France manager and this ends his perfect start. I did not watch the game — just the highlight clips. For people who did: was this one flat night against a disciplined Italy side, or is there something in how Zidane has the team set up that should worry France fans?
1 answer
- One draw is a sample of one
Some numbers before the takes harden: this was Zidane's first dropped result as France manager, and Italy have now avoided defeat in their last three visits to Paris. One data point about a draw against a side that defended in a low block for 70 minutes tells you almost nothing about his system. The thing to actually watch is chance creation: if France keep out-shooting opponents 18-6 and drawing, that's variance; if the shot count dries up, that's tactical. Revisit in three games.