Nimah Alabi
Turkey will host France on Friday, September 25, in the opening match of their UEFA Nations League campaign at Kocaeli Stadyumu in İzmit.
The Group A1 fixture will also mark Zinedine Zidane’s first competitive match as France coach since taking over from Didier Deschamps. Zidane announced his first France squad for the Nations League fixtures earlier this month.
France captain Kylian Mbappé is included in Zidane’s squad, but his availability for the match has been uncertain after he missed a training session with flu-like symptoms.
Reuters reported that France were monitoring his condition ahead of the game.
Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, will begin their League A campaign at home as they look to make a positive start against the reigning Nations League holders.
The two teams last met in Euro 2020 qualifying, when Turkey recorded a 2–0 home victory before France secured a 1–1 draw in the return fixture.
Friday’s meeting will therefore begin a new Nations League campaign for both sides, while giving Zidane his first competitive opportunity to lead France.
