Désiré Doué's Injury and Frattesi's Challenge Spark Outrage in France Camp and Concern for Zidane

Controversial Challenge and Mouth Injury

The match between the French national team and Italy at the San Siro in Milan, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for Les Bleus, witnessed an incident that sparked widespread outrage after player Désiré Doué was struck by a heavy elbow from Italy's Davide Frattesi.

The incident occurred in the 69th minute of the match, when the Azzurri midfielder landed what appeared to be an intentional blow to the Parisian star's face, causing bleeding in his mouth and loosening one of his teeth. Despite the clear injury and the player's protests, Romanian referee István Kovács brandished only a yellow card to Frattesi, a decision deemed incomprehensible by the French camp that prompted Adrien Rabiot to approach the referee and mimic the striking gesture in disbelief at the call.

Officiating Frustration and Doubts Ahead of Turkey Clash

Following the match, dissatisfaction was clearly visible on the face of manager Zinedine Zidane in his first defeat at the helm of France. Speaking on "TF1" alongside Bixente Lizarazu, he stated: "I think one of his teeth has shifted out of place, and we will take care of him starting tomorrow." Doué was forced to leave the pitch less than ten minutes after the incident, making way for his teammate Senny Mayulu.

Anger prevailed within the French delegation over the referee's leniency and the failure to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with the camp believing that the Lazio player's intervention warranted a direct red card. These concerns are compounded by lingering doubts regarding Désiré Doué's availability for France's crucial upcoming match against Turkey on Sunday evening in Bordeaux.