France head coach Zinedine Zidane selected Robin Risser in his 23-man squad after the Lens goalkeeper conceded nine goals in a 9-1 Champions League defeat by Como at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. France will face Italy at the San Siro on Thursday, 12 November, before playing Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, 15 November, in UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Zidane's view of the match
Zidane said: "I saw an abnormal match, both in terms of the result and the manner of play. There is one team that was extremely efficient, and there is one team that is quite good, with players who do very nice things, but who in this match were stifled and lost their focus."
Risser recalled ahead of Butez
Zidane recalled RC Lens goalkeeper Risser at the expense of Como goalkeeper Jean Butez. Como beat Lens 9-1 in the Champions League, with Butez starting in goal for Como. Zidane said: "In the first selection, Robin was planned, then he got injured, and we called up Jean, who fulfilled his role very well and is a great guy."
Zidane also said: "For this gathering I wanted to see Robin, and Fabien too."
The France goalkeeping options
Mike Maignan remains France's primary goalkeeper, while the competition for the backup positions between Toulouse's Guillaume Restes and Risser remains undecided. Zidane said: "I can't tell you that now. The goal was to make our list; we'll discuss it with Fabien and make our decision."
Zidane and goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez will work closely with Risser to rebuild his confidence.
Other squad changes
Aurelien Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery returned to the France squad, while Como captain Lucas Da Cunha was also included.
