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Zidane ready to surprise with Diouf and Lepaul in first France squad

Eight days before his first selection, Zinédine Zidane has pre-called Andy Diouf (Inter Milan) and Esteban Lepaul (Rennes) for the September Nations League gathering.

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Zidane ready to surprise with Diouf and Lepaul in first France squad
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Zinédine Zidane could shake things up from the start: according to RMC Sport, France’s new head coach has issued pre-calls to Andy Diouf and Esteban Lepaul for his first gathering, scheduled from September 21 at Clairefontaine. The official squad list will be unveiled on September 18.

A 23-year-old midfielder who joined Inter Milan in summer 2025 from RC Lens, Andy Diouf quickly established himself in Cristian Chivu’s setup in a right-back role. His convincing performances at the start of the season are now opening the doors of the France A team for the first time.

Esteban Lepaul arrives in a strong position after an exceptional 2024-2025 season with Stade Rennais: 21 goals in Ligue 1, making him the championship’s top scorer. The Rennes striker is also on the head coach’s extended list.

The attacking sector is undergoing a major overhaul. The injury to Hugo Ekitike and the underwhelming starts to the season from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani are creating space for new profiles. The pre-calls for Diouf and Lepaul confirm that Zidane intends to broaden the talent pool from his first day in charge.

France will begin their 2027 Nations League campaign with a trip to Turkey in Kocaeli on September 25, before facing Belgium in Brussels three days later. Italy will then be hosted at Stade de France on October 2, followed by the Red Devils again on October 6.

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