{
  "id": 19773344,
  "title": "Zidane says Italy defeat ‘part of the process’ for France",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/zidane-says-italy-defeat-part-of-the-process-for-france-19773344",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T07:24:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/world-soccer/zidane-says-italy-defeat-part-of-the-process-for-france/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Zinedine Zidane expressed disappointment in his team's defensive performance after France's first-ever defeat as head coach against Italy in the UEFA Nations League. Despite taking an early lead through Michael Olise, Les Bleus were unable to hold onto their advantage, with Francesco Pio Esposito netting a brace and Davide Frattesi scoring a decisive goal, ultimately securing Italy's quarter-final spot. The Italian striker's second goal came moments after Francesco Pio's penalty miss, leading to a second red card for the younger Esposito. Zidane attributed the team's downfall to their defensive struggles, particularly in the second half, but stated it was \"part of the process.\" France's final group match is against Turkey, while Italy heads to Belgium, who currently sit third. Zidane's side, without Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, denied being affected by their absences, and the coach hinted that Mbappe might return against Turkey. Italy's Roberto Mancini praised Pio's goal-scoring prowess, hoping he could surpass Gigi Riva's national record of 35 goals for Italy.",
  "summary": "\"We started well and we were good in possession, but in the second half we ran into difficulties, especially defensively,\" said Zidane.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Italy fight back to deal Zidane’s first loss as France coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/italy-fight-back-to-deal-zidanes-first-loss-as-france-coach",
        "published": "2026-11-12T22:32:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Italy fight back to deal Zidane first loss as France coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/italy-fight-back-to-deal-zidane-first-loss-as-france-coach",
        "published": "2026-11-12T22:35:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Italy fight back to deal Zidane first loss as France coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/italy-fight-back-to-deal-zidane-first-loss-as-france-coach-19729707",
        "published": "2026-11-12T23:06:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Zidane says Italy defeat ‘part of the process’ for France",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/zidane-says-italy-defeat-part-of-the-process-for-france-19742806",
        "published": "2026-11-13T01:30:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}