Zidane defends Da Cunha after costly mistake against Italy

Lucas Da Cunha gifted Italy the equalizer in the 67th minute, but Zinédine Zidane firmly defended his player after France’s 1-1 draw, the third match of the new manager’s tenure.

The sequence was clear: receiving the ball with his back to goal from Adrien Rabiot 35 meters from Mike Maignan’s goal, Da Cunha took time to control it rather than play a one-touch pass to Adrien Truffert. His first touch was too heavy, Alessandro Bastoni recovered the ball at his feet and ran toward goal. Hard to see it as anything other than an individual error, even if the Como midfielder was only on his second cap.

Questioned by TF1 at the final whistle, Zidane preferred to focus on « everything else » in his player’s performance. « A turnover can happen, it’s not the most important thing, » he said, before going further in his press conference.

« I really like this player! He has personality, he’s not afraid to play. He filters passes, makes long 40-meter passes, » said the former France number 10, in an unequivocal message of support for the Rennes academy product.

Throughout the match, Da Cunha had indeed orchestrated France’s play, alternating short and long passes and not hesitating to play forward — exactly the profile Zidane has called for since taking office. « It’s about getting the ball out cleanly, very quickly, » the manager had summed up after Monday’s victory in Belgium, where Da Cunha was already in the starting lineup.

This error, quickly forgiven by the coaching staff, should not jeopardize the Como captain’s place in the starting eleven. Zidane was clear: he believes in this player.