Zinédine Zidane praises Lucas Da Cunha despite error against Italy

After making a strong impression in Belgium on Monday, in a 1-0 win, Lucas Da Cunha faced high expectations. Starting again on Friday, he had less influence against Italy, who drew 1-1 on France’s return to the Stade de France. At fault for Italy’s equaliser, the midfielder still received Zinédine Zidane’s congratulations after his second appearance for France.

His performance was considered solid overall, but was marred by a poor control of a firmly struck pass from Adrien Rabiot before Alessandro Bastoni’s goal in the 68th minute. Zidane declined to single out one player: « Football is about trying to make as few mistakes as possible (…) When there’s a mistake, it’s everyone’s fault. »

The coach preferred to focus on Da Cunha’s willingness to play. « He isn’t afraid to play, » Zidane said, adding: « I like this player a lot; he has a lot of personality. » In Zidane’s view, the midfielder deserves his place and the playing time he has received, like the other players. Da Cunha, captain of Como, was making his second appearance four days after his outstanding performance in Brussels.

France will face Belgium at the Stade de France on Monday in their fourth and final match of this Nations League gathering.