Zinedine Zidane Names France Squad with Surprise Call-Up for Pagis
Zinedine Zidane unveiled the France squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey, handing a surprise maiden call-up to Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis.
Zinedine Zidane announced the new France national team squad on Friday, featuring a surprise call-up for Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis. The 23-year-old attacker, who recently joined from Lorient, earned his maiden selection following an injury to Maghnes Akliouche. He becomes the first representative from the capital's second-tier club to feature in the national squad since Jean-Paul Rostagni in 1973.
Ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Italy at San Siro on Thursday and Turkey in Bordeaux three days later, Malo Gusto, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Marcus Thuram have returned to the squad. Alongside Akliouche, Ousmane Dembélé, Manu Koné, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, and Esteban Lepaul are sidelined due to injuries, joining William Saliba, who has been unavailable since the World Cup semi-finals.
During the press conference, the France manager praised Désiré Doué, drawing comparisons to his own playing career.
"I recognize a bit of myself in him when I was a player. What he is doing is remarkable. He has the desire to progress and win titles, and he is very attentive. I also wanted to improve and listen to my elders, to the people around me. I believe that is what he is doing, and he is doing it remarkably well."
