Roberto Mancini Jokes That Kylian Mbappé Should Avoid Risk Ahead of Nations League Clash
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has jokingly advised France captain Kylian Mbappé not to risk playing against Italy, pointing to the Real Madrid forward’s Champions League commitments.
Mancini made the remarks during a press conference on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter between Italy and France at San Siro in Milan.
“I would advise Mbappé not to take any risks. He has a Champions League match with Real Madrid, so it would be better if he did not play,” Mancini said, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.
The Italian manager delivered the comment with a smile while responding to questions about Mbappé’s availability for the international fixture.
His comments came ahead of a crucial Nations League meeting between the two European sides, who are competing for qualification from their group.
Mbappé's availability was subsequently addressed by France head coach Zinedine Zidane, who confirmed on Wednesday that the Real Madrid forward would miss Thursday's match because he was not fully fit.
Reuters reported that Zidane did not want to risk aggravating the player's condition and hoped he could return for Sunday's fixture against Turkey.
Mancini's comments therefore proved particularly timely, although they were initially delivered as a light-hearted remark rather than an official recommendation concerning France's team selection.https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1DX8ima1ok/
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